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May 2010

Dear Parent,

Welcome to St Mary’s and thank you for your interest in our school as a possible place of

education for your child.

At first sight our Prospectus appears rather lengthy. However, it is hoped you will take

the time to read through it and that you find it both informative and useful. The intention

is to provide you with a feel for our school: its aims, its curriculum, and the activities

offered.

Every member of the staff at St Mary’s works hard to provide for each child under our

care a happy, safe and stimulating environment founded on Christian values. As a school

we believe in providing learning activities which arouse the children’s interest, are of

relevance to them, and that will help to equip them so that eventually they will be able to

play their part in our society as positive, competent, adults, who are confident in their

own abilities.

It is our hope that through reading this prospectus you will be tempted to take a look

around St Mary’s and find out more about the school and its activities.

If you already have children attending St Mary’s, we look forward to continuing working

with you in educating your children.

If your child is to join us for the first time we welcome you and look forward to a happy

and fruitful association over the coming years.

Visits to our school are more than welcome. The staff, the Governors, and I all look

forward to meeting you and hopefully to working with you in the future.

Yours sincerely,

David Ramsay

Head Teacher

St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Great Eccleston St Mary’s Road, Great Eccleston, Preston PR30ZJ

Tel: 01995 670364 Fax: 01995 672

E-mail: head@st-marysgreateccleston.lancs.sch.uk Head Teacher: Mr D.J. Ramsay

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St Mary’s Catholic Primary School

Great Eccleston

Our Mission Statement

We, at St Mary’s, see Christ as the foundation of the whole educational process.

Thus:

� Our approach to the education of the children and the policies employed

by the school are inspired by and come naturally from our faith tradition.

� We see God as the focus of the whole learning process, and the coming

to know Him and His creation as the goal of the whole curriculum.

� We strive to ensure that the school is Catholic in the broadest sense of

the meaning of the word.

� We see all that happens in our school –for example our priorities, aims,

objectives, our relationships, curriculum, discipline, and pastoral care for

each unique person involved with the life of the school as having the

potential to reflect God’s loving care for each individual.

� We strive to provide the children with opportunities, in a school founded

on Gospel values, in which they can learn and experience success

without fear of failure or recrimination.

Such acknowledgements also imply we have responsibilities which we accept

and take seriously. Therefore we at St Mary’s:

� See God as the focus of the whole learning process.

� Value the uniqueness of each individual.

� Strive to be not only a learning community but also a caring and a

worshipping community.

� Strive to be a welcoming, understanding and forgiving to all

� Seek to encourage everyone to attain their optimum potential.

This will not happen merely by talking about it.

It has to be promoted and encouraged.

It has to be lived!

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St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Great Eccleston

Our Aims

At St Mary’s we have one over-arching aim which results from our school’s

Mission Statement, namely:

To provide a happy, stable, stimulating and challenging environment in an

atmosphere where Christ and His examples of kindness, tolerance and

compassion permeate through all aspects of school life; where everyone is

valued and encouraged to strive for the highest of standards in order to

fulfil their ability and potential.

In order to achieve this we:

• strive to create a caring, Catholic atmosphere which will permeate

the lives of the children and stimulate their spiritual growth in

conjunction with their parents and the church;

• create a family atmosphere where all members of the school are

nurtured and valued for their unique qualities so as to develop in

individuals a positive attitude towards themselves with a strong

sense of self-respect;

• give children a vision of all the positive opportunities and

experiences life has to offer and to try to equip them with strategies

for coping with life’s realities;

• develop tolerance and empathy for others and a sense of respect for

other people’s property, ideas and beliefs;

• encourage the growth of application, perseverance, independence,

self- discipline and initiative so that the children are prepared for the

responsibilities of adult life;

• offer a broad based curriculum in order to facilitate the acquisition of

knowledge, promote curiosity and enjoyment in learning, and to

provide knowledge/skills to equip children for work and leisure as

active, confident and responsible members of a rapidly developing

society;

• develop through art, craft and music an aesthetic awareness and the

ability to appreciate beauty in all its forms;

• give opportunities for the development of physical skills and an

enjoyment of participation in group and team activities;

• develop positive attitudes towards, and concern for, the environment

and society;

• foster close relationships with the local community.

• encourage a sense of moral responsibility and self discipline

appropriate to the stage of development of each individual child.

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About Our School

St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School is a small rural school

situated close to the centre of Great Eccleston in Wyre. The school is sited in

pleasant surroundings and serves the extensive parish of St Mary’s whose

boundaries enclose the villages of Inskip, Thornton, Singleton, St Michael’s,

Little Eccleston and Elswick. Links with the parish church are good and Father

Jim, the Parish Priest, visits the school and works with the children regularly.

The school’s Governors are active participants in the life of the school –several

are regularly involved with the children in a range of activities.

The oldest part of the building dates back to 1732 and was the original church.

Over the years there have been several extensions to the school building, the

most recent addition being the Key Stage 2 Classroom. St Mary’s school is well

resourced and maintained; all on one level, and has three spacious teaching

areas, a well stocked library, up to date and well resourced ICT suite, hall, large

playground and playing field which we utilise to the full. The children at St

Mary’s take part in a wide range of inter-school sporting activities and we

encourage, and provide opportunity for, all the children to take part -the

emphasis is quite literally have fun and have a go!

Currently the children are organised into two classes. Pupils are taught in ability

groups within these classes. Each class has a Teaching Assistant -Class 1 on a

full time basis and Class 2 on a part time basis- to support the class teacher. We

actively seek and encourage parental and governor involvement in school

activities. We value greatly the contribution which the wider community can

add to our school and as result have active links with the local playgroups and

sports clubs in the area.

St Mary’s is part of the National Healthy Schools Programme –recently gaining

National accreditation for this- and also of the National PE and Sport Initiative.

Currently we have 32 children on roll. We see our small size as a huge

advantage as it means we can offer the children an extremely good pupil to staff

ratio and thus get to know the children and meet their needs really well. The

small number of children at St Mary’s allows the children of all ages to mix

with each other, work and learn from each other, share experiences together and

support each other, and thus create a school atmosphere which really is as close

as a school can come to that of a family!

OFSTED’s Opinion of St Mary’s

In February 2009 we received a successful OFSTED inspection. The inspectors

stated that St Mary’s is:

“… a good school. It has several outstanding features and provides good

value for money. A very conscientious Head Teacher, strongly supported

by a committed, caring staff, ensures that the school successfully fulfils its

mission ‘to provide a stimulating learning environment for all, in a caring

community where everyone feels respected and valued’. The school is very

popular and has a very strong community spirit. The quality of care for

pupils’ social and emotional needs is outstanding. Parents have very

positive views about the school reflected in comments such as ‘An excellent

school, I am so pleased my children thrive in terms of personal and

academic development because of the very high quality of pastoral care the

school provides.’

Pupils comment ‘School is a great place to be. It helps us to learn and

how to get on together.’”

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June 2006: Parents and children are rightly proud of their school. The school

is not limited by its small size but sees this as being beneficial to all its pupils.

Its high involvement in out- of-school events means that even pupils in Year 2

can take part whereas in larger schools this would not necessarily be the case.

The quality of education in Foundation Stage (Reception Age Group) is good

and children attain the goals set for their ages. The quality of the teaching

and learning is good. As a result pupils achieve well and attain standards in

English and Mathematics which are above those found nationally by the time

they leave. The school is well lead and managed.”

Throughout the year we run a voluntary preschool on Tuesday, Wednesday and

Thursday afternoons. Primarily this is to help children who will be starting our

school in the following year settle and get used to their new environment.

Children aged between 2 ½ - 4 years of age are welcome to attend. There is no

charge and no obligation to attend St Mary’s when the child makes school age.

(See Pre-school Afternoons on page 10 for further details)

Parents of children already attending our school are very pleased with the

school. They feel that the teaching is good; that a broad, balanced and

interesting curriculum is offered; that the ethos is excellent, and that their

children are cared for.

One parent commented for OFSTED that:

“The school works very hard at making each pupil proud of his or her

achievements and wishing to achieve more.” and another stated:

“The Head Teacher and his staff work extremely hard providing the

children with a good education in a friendly caring atmosphere.”

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The Governors

The Governing Body is responsible for the overall running of the school. It

meets at least once a term as a whole body and is split into several committees

which meet regularly to discuss aspects of the running of the school in more

detail. These committees report back to the full Governing Body any findings,

concerns or recommendations they may have.

Foundation Governors:

Mrs P Eastham Chair

Mr G Lyons

Mr K O'Kane

Mr A Metcalf

Mrs K Glancy

Mrs E Smith

Miss A Hunter

Fr J Burns Parish Priest

Mr D J Ramsay Head Teacher

Representative Governors:

Lancashire County Council Mrs s Catterall

Staff Governor Mrs M J Keighley

Parent Governors Mrs J Bayliss (Vice Chair)

Mr C Bayliss

Mr T Caveney

Clerk to the Governors Mrs K Osborn

The Staffing Establishment

Head Teacher: Mr D J Ramsay

Class Teachers: Miss R. Costigan FS/KS1

Mrs E Singleton/Mr D J Ramsay KS2

Peripatetic Teachers: Mrs K Law-Jones (KS1/2 Music)

(Contracted from the Mrs Munroe (Woodwind)

LEA’s Music Service) Mr F Ajiteru (Guitar)

Miss H Heath (French)

Teaching Assistants: Mrs S Hockney KS1/KS2

Mrs K Hopkinson KS1/KS2KS2

Mrs D Riding KS1/SEN Support

School Administrative Officer: Mrs J Diamond

School Kitchen Manager: Mrs B Hitcheon

Welfare Assistants Mrs C Swarbrick

Mrs H Lyons

Site Supervisors Mrs C Swarbrick/Mrs M Aspden

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St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Great Eccleston

Admissions Policy

St Mary’s, Great Eccleston, is a Catholic Primary School provided by the

Diocese of Lancaster and maintained by Lancashire Local Authority as a

voluntary aided primary school.

Its Governing Body is the admissions authority and is responsible for taking

decisions on applicants for admission to the school within the requirements of

the law. In so doing the Governing Body has regard for:

a) The advice of the Diocesan Trustees on the nature and purpose of

Catholic Schools

b) The governing Body’s responsibility towards the school and the Catholic

Community it serves

c) The Catholic character of the school and its Mission Statement.

We, at St Mary’s, welcome applications from both Catholic and non Catholic

parents who would like their children to be educated within the aims and ethos

of our school. We ask that all parents applying for a place at St Mary’s to

respect this ethos and its importance to the school community. This does not

affect the right of parents who are not of the faith of this school to apply for and

be considered for a place here.

The admission number for the school is 7 children.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR ADMISSION INSEPTEMBER 2011

When admitting children to St Mary’s the governing body follows the criteria

below.

1) Applications for a place at the school should be made on Lancashire

Authority’s Common Application Form or on its online facility. Forms

should be returned to Lancashire Authority no later than 14th January

2011.

2) Parents must complete the Common Application form available from

Lancashire Authority. Parents who wish their application to St Mary’s,

Great Eccleston, to be considered against the priority faith criteria

should also complete the school’s Supplementary Information Form.

This will be issued with the Primary Admissions booklets.

Should St Mary’s be oversubscribed, failure to complete the

supplementary form may result in your application for a place in this

school being considered against a lower priority criteria, as

the Governing body will have no information upon which to assess the

application on the basis of the applicant’s baptism. The Supplementary

Information Form should be returned to St Mary’s school by 14th

January 2011.

3) Each Roman Catholic applicant will be required to produce a baptismal

certificate or other evidence of baptism. Each application made by other

Christian faiths will be required to produce a baptism certificate or other

evidence of baptism or proof of church attendance as appropriate to the

faith.

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Applications of children of non-Christian faiths will be required to

provide evidence of their faith affiliation on the Supplementary

Information Form

4) The Admissions Committee of the Governing Body will consider all

applications at the same time after the given closing date.

5) Parents/guardians/carers will be informed of the outcome of their

application by Lancashire Authority by the 26th April 2011.

6) As required by law, all children with a Statement of Educational Needs

naming the school will be admitted before the application of the

oversubscription criteria.

OVERSUBSRIPTION CRITERIA

The Governors of St Mary’s school, Great Eccleston, will admit up to 7 children

in September 2011. If the number of applications exceeds the places available,

the children will be admitted subject to the following criteria which will be used

to form a priority order.

1. Applications received from baptised Catholic children in public care.

2. Children baptised into the Catholic Faith who reside in the family of

communities which are served by St Mary’s Parish Church, Great

Eccleston (specifically Little Eccleston, Great Eccleston, Elswick, St

Michael’s on Wyre, Singleton, Thistleton and Inskip) who have siblings

attending St Mary’s school Great Eccleston at the expected time of

admission.

3. Children baptised into the Catholic Faith who reside in the family of

communities which are served by St Mary’s Parish Church, Great

Eccleston (specifically Little Eccleston, Great Eccleston, Elswick, St

Michael’s on Wyre, Singleton, Thistleton and Inskip)

4. Catholic children residing outside the Parish of St Mary’s -that is from

beyond the communities served by St Mary’s school- who have siblings

attending St Mary’s school Great Eccleston at the expected time of

admission.

5. Catholic children residing outside the Parish of St Mary’s -that is from

beyond the communities served by St Mary’s.

6. Applications received for children in public care who are not of the

Catholic faith.

7. Children of other Christian denominations who have siblings attending

St Mary’s school Great Eccleston at the expected time of admission.

8. Children of other Christian denominations who have no siblings

attending St Mary’s school at the expected time of admission.

9. Children of a parent/carer with exceptional social or medical needs

where the application is accompanied by a written statement from an

appropriate professional eg consultant doctor, social worker, police

officer, naming the school and demonstrating why the St Mary’s school

as the preferred school is suitable.

10. Children of other non-Christian faiths who have siblings attending St

Mary’s school at the expected time of admission.

11. Children of other non-Christian faiths who have no siblings attending St

Mary’s school at the expected tie of admission.

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12. Children of no faith affiliation who have a sibling in school at the

expected time of admission.

13. Children of no faith affiliation who have no siblings attending St Mary’s

at the expected time of admission.

In the event of oversubscription in any of the above criteria, places will be

allocated according to the following tie break criterion:

Applicants living nearest to St Mary’s school. The distance between an

applicant’s home (in cases of shared parenting the address used for child

benefit purposes is taken to be the address at which the child resides –see

notes below) and the school will be measured as a straight line from the centre

point of the home address to the centre point of the school. Distances are

measured using Mario maps via Lancashire Authority’s intranet and internet to

complete the measures.

In the event of a tied distance measurement between the address points the

Local Authority’s system of a random draw will determine the address(es)

which will receive the offer(s).

Thereafter any remaining children will then be placed on a waiting list. For

further information please see the following explanatory notes.

EXPLANATORY NOTES

Baptised Catholic

Please note for admission to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Great

Eccleston the Governors understand the term baptised Catholic to mean:

� One who has been baptised into full communion with the Roman

Catholic Church by the Rites of Baptism of one of the various ritual

churches in communion with the See of Rome (proof of Baptism with a

copy of a baptismal certificate or details of the date and place of baptism

will be required).

� A child baptised in another Christian Faith who has been received into

full communion with the Roman Catholic faith. (Proof of baptism and

reception from the register of receptions or Baptismal Register will be

required).

� A child who with his/her family is enrolled in a recognised course of

preparation leading to Catholic Baptism (Proof of enrolment with details

of the place and date of enrolment from the appropriate parish records

will apply)

� One who is a member of the eastern Christian churches and the

Orthodox Churches. (Proof of Baptism with a copy of a baptismal

certificate, details of the date and place of baptism or certificate of

reception will be required.

Children in Public Care

This means a child who is looked after by a Local Authority in accordance with

Section 22 of the children Act 1989. This is a child in public care who is in the

care of a local authority or who is provided with accommodation by that

authority.

Siblings

The Governing body understands the term siblings to include full brother or

sister, half brothers, half sisters, foster and adopted brother or sister, the child of

the parent/carer’s partner where the child for whom the place is sought is living

in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling. Stepchildren or foster

children who live at the same address are also classed as siblings.

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Address

The address used when completing the Common Application and

Supplementary Information Forms must be the one that is current at the time the

application is being made.

If the address subsequently changes, the parents must notify the school.

In some cases, for example, where shared parental living arrangements are in

place, a child’s address may be difficult to determine. In these circumstances the

address used for child benefit purposes ie, the address of the parent claiming the

child benefit, will be used.

If you are moving house and applying for a place at St Mary’s and the school is

not oversubscribed, using your new address may not be a problem. In the event

of oversubscription it may be possible to consider your application on the basis

of an address you are intending to move to. You must be resident at specific

address and not just a stated intention to move to an area. Evidence must be

provided that you have exchanged contracts on a house or have an offer of a

tenancy on a property in which you intend to live and which will be in place

when your child would start at St Mary’s. This evidence must be submitted as

soon as possible and no later than the deadline of 14th January 2011. Further

evidence eg utility bills, may also need to be submitted at a later date. If this

information is required the Governors of the school will contact you. The Governing Body may on occasion seek verification of the addresses from

individual applicants

Multiple Births

Where there are twins or multiple birth children wanting admission and there is

only one single place or insufficient places available to admit within the

admission number, then the Governing Body will use the Local Authority’s

system of random draw to decide which pupil receives an offer of a place.

Parents will be advised to go to appeal for the other child/children.

Late Applications

Applications received after the closing date of 14th January 2011 will be

treated as late applications. Only in exceptional circumstances, and where

appropriate evidence is provided, will applications received after the closing

date (but before offers of places have been made) be considered alongside those

received on time. Applications received after the date when letters offering places have been sent

out will put on a waiting list. (See waiting lists below)

Offer of Place Letters

The Local Authority, on behalf of the Governing Body, will issue all offer

letters for places in Reception year group all year round. Refer also to In

Year/Mid Year/Non Routine/Casual Applications below.

Deferred Entry to Primary School

Parents of children who are offered a place at St Mary’s before they are of

compulsory school age may request to defer their child’s entry until later in the

school year. Where entry is deferred, admission authorities are required to hold

the place for that child and not offer it to another child. The parent cannot be

able to defer entry beyond the beginning of the term after the child’s fifth

birthday, nor beyond the academic year for which the original application was

accepted.

Part –time Provision

Parents can request that their child attends part-time until the child reaches

compulsory school age.

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Waiting Lists

A waiting list for children who have not been offered a place will be kept until

the end of the Autumn Term of the academic year of admission.

The Waiting List will be ordered in accordance with the admissions criteria

cited above and will not give priority to children based on the date either of their

application was received or the date their name was added to the list.

Parents/guardians are invited to contact the school if they wish to be informed

of their child’s position on the waiting list.

If a place becomes available within the school’s published admissions number,

the child whose name is at the top of the list will be offered a place. This is not

dependent upon an appeal having been submitted for the child concerned.

Applications received after letters offering places have been issued will be kept

on the waiting list and prioritised according to the admissions criteria.

The waiting list will be kept open until the end of the third week of Autumn

Term.

Shared Parenting

Where a child lives with one parent for part of the week and another for the rest

of the week only one address can be used on the application form. This should

be the address used for child benefit purposes ie, the address of the parent

claiming the child benefit, will be used.

Fraudulent Applications

Where the Governing Body discovers that a child has been awarded a place as a

result of an intentionally misleading application from a parent, for example

where a false address has been provided, then the Governing body is required to

withdraw the offer of a place. The application will then be considered afresh

and a right of appeal offered if a place is refused.

Appeal Arrangements

If an application is refused by the Governing Body then the parents have the

right of appeal. This will be heard by an independent appeals panel. Parents

wishing to lodge an appeal should notify the school and/or the LA by letter

within fourteen days of notification of refusal. The date of notification will be

considered to be two working days after posting by first class post of the refusal

to offer a place. The parents must give their reasons for appealing in writing.

The LA will arrange for the appeal to be heard and will draw up the

Independent Appeals Panel from a list of names provided by Lancaster Diocese.

The decision of the Independent Appeals Panel will be sent in writing to both

the parents and the Governing Body. The decision is final and binding on

both parties.

In Year/Mid-year/Non Routine/Casual Admissions

All parents requesting a school place, either because they are new to Lancashire

LA or because they are wishing to transfer schools within Lancashire LA during

the school year will be required to complete the relevant Local Authority

Application Form and the school’s Supplementary Admissions Form.

The Admission of all pupils to Lancashire LA schools will be coordinated by

the LA in line with recent changes in legislation.

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Admissions Activities

Children enter school in the September of the academic year in which they

become five. Children entering Reception Year are invited to spend three days

in school during the previous summer term to gain familiarity with class and

school routines.

A meeting for parents whose children will be joining us is usually held during

the summer term. This meeting allows parents to learn more about our school,

its expectations and routines; what can be expected from the school; what the

child needs for school and what we expect from parents and children.

On coming to school in September the children starting in Reception begin on

the first full day of the Autumn Term. Pre-School Afternoons

In addition to the summer term day visits we also run throughout the school

year a pre-school. This takes place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons

between 1.15 pm and 3.00 pm. The intention is to help children starting school

in September become familiar to their new environment. All children between

the ages of 2½ -4 years are welcome to attend. During these sessions the children undertake many preschool activities based

around the Early Years/Foundation Stage Guidance, and share activities with

our present Reception and Year 1 children.

Children attending preschool are invited to take part in a sports afternoon with

other preschools/playgroups in the area organised by ourselves.

The School Curriculum and Assessment

School Standards

Schools are required to place information about their SATs results within their

school brochure.

However, since we have less than ten pupils in Year 6, we are legally unable to

make public our test results since doing so would enable individual pupils to be

identified from the results.

We can state that our results at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 are above the

national averages set by the government. (See school profile)

Curriculum

We seek to provide a curriculum which interests, stimulates and engages the

children; which pays attention to their needs, and looks to consolidate and

extend their learning. The school follows the National Curriculum Programmes

of Study for English, Mathematics, Science, Information & Communications

Technology, Design Technology, Geography, History, Art, French, Music

PSCHE and PE. Religious Education is central to our teaching and learning.

Children in Reception Class follow the Early Years Foundation Stage

Curriculum which builds on the work the children will have completed if they

have attended a pre-school/nursery or playgroup before coming to St Mary’s.

A brief summary of the curriculum content of each subject area taught follows.

Religious Education

As a Catholic school the children are taught in accordance with the teachings,

practices and rites of the Catholic Faith. The school utilises the Diocese of

Lancaster’s agreed RE syllabus and the “The Way the Truth and the Light”

Religious Education Scheme of Work.

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Our teaching of Religious Education will provoke challenging questioning

about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and

wrong, what it means to be human. It will also develop pupils’ knowledge and

understanding of Christianity and other principal world religious traditions, and

will foster personal reflection and spiritual development.

Through RE we encourage pupils to explore their own beliefs and how these

impact on personal, institutional and social ethics. RE is used enable pupils to

build their sense of identity and belonging, to develop respect for others, to

prompt pupils to consider their responsibilities towards themselves and others

and explore how they might contribute to their communities and to wider

society.

We believe it is important that the children live and experience what they are

taught in RE and encourage the children to put into practice what they learn.

Collective Worship

An act of collective worship is held daily either on a whole school or class

basis. All staff and children participate in these. The Parish Priest visits the

school regularly to lead worship, liturgies and sacramental celebrations and

parents are welcome to join us these. On occasions during school time the

children may visit the parish church.

NB: Parents have the right to withdraw children from RE and Collective

Worship. In such cases the school will provide appropriate alternative

activities. However, we would hope that parents will be happy for their child to

join in these activities which form a central part in the life of St Mary’s School.

Parents considering withdrawing their children from these activities should also

be mindful that as a church school the Catholic Ethos permeates the whole of

the curriculum and school life.

Should any parents wish to withdraw their children from these then they should

inform the Head Teacher in writing.

English (Literacy)

English is taught through three main components: Speaking and Listening,

Reading, Writing - cursive handwriting is taught from Reception.

Each child takes part in a daily Literacy Lesson in addition to utilising English

in all its forms through other curriculum subjects and activities.

Our overall aim is to extend and develop the children’s ability, confidence and

enjoyment of English so that they can communicate effectively in a variety of

ways.

Mathematics (Numeracy)

Mathematics is taught in accordance with the Numeracy Strategy and covers the

Number System; Shape, Space and Measure; and Data Handling. We try hard to

emphasise the simplicity of mathematics and encourage the children to enjoy it

and to use it in other curriculum areas.

Science

Simple experiments and investigations, as well as research, are carried out by

the pupils (often experiments and investigations arise from suggestions made by

the children and stem from their interest in the topic looked at!) in order to

develop knowledge of Life Processes and Living Things; of Materials and their

Properties and of Physical Processes .

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Science is taught both as a separate subject and as part of topic work which

encompasses other subject areas

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

ICT is used to enhance curriculum tuition. It is taught as a subject in its own

right and the knowledge and skills learnt are applied to other curricular areas.

We encourage each child to develop their ability to use ICT hard and software;

to collect, analyse, interpret information; to present information; to model,

measure, predict and control events –even to compose music and mix sounds!

Design Technology (DT)

Design Technology allows pupils to develop designing, making and practical

problem solving skills. It is a fun way of allowing children to apply their

knowledge gleaned from other subject areas to solve practical problems. It also

enables children to learn about the properties of materials, how these can be

effectively joined or linked to make things work, move or just simply be

stronger or more attractive than before.

Children are encouraged to work collaboratively and independently, and once a

year we set a team challenge –“The Egg Race” which involves parents and

governors as well!

History

Children are usually fascinated about the past –often the grisly details! History

is taught using a theme basis through which the children explore periods in time

such as the Tudors or Romans. The aim is to develop research skills and an

understanding of human experience. Great importance is placed on making

history an exciting and enjoyable learning experience and many curriculum

areas such as Art, Design Technology and ICT are linked into it.

Geography

The children are encouraged to broaden their knowledge and understanding of

people, places and the world. The children investigate the physical and human

features of their own surroundings using the school, its grounds and the

immediate vicinity as a resource for fieldwork and map work. Other localities in

the United Kingdom and world wide are also studied. We try to make

Geography as “hands on” as possible”.

Art

Our aim is to encourage and develop the natural creative, imaginative and

practical abilities which every child posses.We seek to develop a range of skills

and techniques (including drawing, painting, printing, ceramics, weaving etc)

using a wide range of media –the majority conventional but some not that

conventional! We encourage the use of computers as tools for designing and

creating art.

Music

All pupils are encouraged to participate in Music and to experience the pleasure

of making music for themselves. We look to encourage the children’s abilities

to compose, perform and to play basic instruments by ear and have recorded our

own Christmas Carol CD and have compositions on a website called NUMU!

Although we do not have a formal choir, we regularly take part in Preston

Primary Schools’ Music Festival. We also offer Guitar (both from Year 3

upwards), and Woodwind and Keyboard (from Year2) tuition to the children.

Until recently we offered Brass and would love to get that up and running

again!

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Physical Education

Our intention in PE is to develop the physical skills and ability of each

individual child and to have fun! We seek to provide experience in a wide range

of sports -including football, cricket, rounders, swimming, athletics, tag-rugby,

gymnastics, dance, athletics, outdoor and adventurous activities. Swimming is

offered all year for the whole of KS2 and Year 2.

French

We have recently introduced French into the school’s curriculum for children in

Year 3-6. This has proved really popular with the children and with their

parents. Currently we are encouraging the children to speak this language and

be able to read and translate simple phrases and signs.

Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education (PSCHE)

This is offered to encourage children to have positive attitudes towards personal

health, the acquisition of healthy habits and to help each child cope with his/her

own physical and emotional development.

The Citizenship and Social aspect is intended to develop each child’s awareness

of his/her place and role in the local community, Hopefully through PSCHE

each child will develop a knowledge of the various occupations that contribute

to society wholeness as well as developing each child’s ability to make

informed decisions in a changing, economically competitive world.

Health and Sex and Relationships Education (SRE)

The school encourages all children to adopt a healthy life style and is part of the

NHS/Education Authority’s Healthy Schools Initiative. Health Education is

primarily taught through the school’s science curriculum and its PSCHE

programme. Topics such as Growth, Ourselves, My Body and Healthy Living

are the main core elements.

School policy, as agreed by the Governing Body, is to incorporate Sex and

Relationships Education (SRE) into the curriculum with the general purpose of

meeting the needs of the children as they grow and develop towards maturity,

and to support parents in educating their children in personal relationships. SRE

will be appropriate to the pupil’s age and experience, will be presented within a

moral, family orientated and Christian framework and will always be in

accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Sex and Relationships Education is an integral part of the Health Education

programme and the school nurse will provide input where appropriate. For

children in Years 5 and 6 the sex education will form a more discrete element

and parents will have the opportunity to view any materials that will be used

with the pupils prior to their introduction into the classroom.

Where the National Curriculum Science Programmes of Study relate to body

parts, or facts, these will be taught sensitively within the context of our Faith

and in an atmosphere of openness. In the family atmosphere of the small

Catholic school, sex instruction does not constitute a separate subject in the

curriculum but is a cross-curricular issue.

SRE will not be treated as a separate add on to the curriculum. In general terms,

across the whole range, the school will aim to ensure that the children’s needs

for the following are met:

� The need for appropriate facts, language and information for an

understanding of their own body, its development and that of the

opposite sex.

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� The need for honesty in answering questions, if and when they occur in

a factual manner appropriate for their age.

� The need to develop an understanding of themselves as valuable and

worthy of respect.

� The need to develop respect for others. Note: Parents are reminded that they may withdraw their children from all or

part of the sex education programme and should contact the Head Teacher

accordingly.

Teaching Methods

We believe that learning should be fun and that the skills/knowledge taught to

the children, and understanding created, should be useful to them as they grow

up.

Currently the children at St Mary’s are split into two classes: Class1 covers

Foundation (Reception) and Foundation (Infant) Stages and Class 2 covers Key

Stage 2 (Juniors). The children spend most of their time with the same teacher,

however, both classes are taught Music by an LA music specialist teacher and

Class 2 a taught French once a week by another specialist teacher. Within class

a variety of teaching methods are used. Children are usually taught and work in

ability groupings, but may also be taught when appropriate as a whole class,

small group or individual basis. The curriculum is delivered through carefully

planned topic/thematic approach at Foundation/Key Stage 1. A topic/thematic

approach is also used in Key Stage 2 although this tends to be more subject

centred in order to teach the skills/knowledge required so that they can be

applied to other curricular areas.

Homework

We believe it is very important that parents and school work together in

providing education for your children. The intention behind homework at St

Mary’s is to consolidate and extend the children’s learning in class and to

encourage their ability to work with an increasing degree of independence. It

also provides an opportunity for parents to gain insight into their children’s

work and progress at school. We believe homework should not be stressful to

the children nor a burden to parents, but at the same time it should have an

element to it which should stretch children accordingly. We would encourage

parents to support and help their children with homework activities.

Homework is set in Class 2 each Tuesday and is expected returned the

following Wednesday. In Class 1 homework is set every other night.

Homework is sent home in a “homework bag” which should be returned

with the completed homework.

We would appreciate knowing if your child has difficulty with the homework

set and would be pleased to offer help and advice to parents regarding how

things have been taught in school.

We try set homework so that the main activity falls within Government

guidelines regarding time limits. Generally this is for:

� Year 1 and 2 pupils 1 hour per week, plus regular reading

� Year 3 and 4 pupils 1.5 hours per week, plus regular reading

� Year 5 and 6 pupils 30 minutes per night plus regular reading

Assessment

As the children move through the school their progress will be monitored

against clear objectives by their teachers. This shows how much the children

know and can do by themselves, and allows the class teacher to plan future

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work. Children’s progress is continually monitored by their teachers through a

variety of methods such as asking questions, looking through their work or by

observing them at a given task. This is called “Teacher Assessment”.

We also currently administer more formal assessments. On entry into Reception

and on leaving Reception year group the children are assessed using PIPs

Baseline and Baseline Follow-up activities. Over the course of the children’s

first year in school a profile of their progress, based on the objectives of the

Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, is built up. This is called the Eye-

Profile. At the end of Reception Year Group the children’s progress is formally

reported to their parents.

At the end of Key Stage 1 and Keys Stage 2 Standard Assessment Tasks/Tests

(SATs) are undertaken by the children which will are used along with teacher

assessment to provide a profile of each child’s progress in Mathematics, Science

and English. The children in Years 3, 4, and 5 will also be assessed formally

each year using optional SATs so that their progress may be tracked and their

needs identified and focussed on in the following year.

Teachers use the information gleaned from their assessments of the children’s

progress to identify “targets” for each child so that the children are clear about

what they need to do next to develop their learning.

Children are encouraged to be involved in monitoring their own progress and

achievement. To do this:

� Each child is encouraged to think about their work each half term and to

identify something which they feel they need to work on to develop their

learning and to consider whether they achieved the previous item they

were working on.

� Each child keeps a Record of Achievement File. Into this file are placed:

• pieces of work which the child feels are good examples of their

effort and learning;

• certificates gained at school or from activities done in their own

time;

• target sheets for Maths and English which are used to indicate

what the child feels confident in doing or has achieved.

We believe that compiling this folder will help the children to perceive their

strengths, to identify areas they need to work at and to increase their self-

esteem. The folder will progress with each child throughout his/her primary

school life.

Special Educational Needs/Children with Disabilities

Disability Equality and Special Educational Needs

We recognise the definition of a disabled person as stated in the Disability

Discrimination Act 1995 as being anyone who has “a physical or mental

impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse affect on that

person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.”

At St Mary’s we believe it is the right of every child to receive an education

appropriate to his/her needs. This includes the maximum possible access to the

National Curriculum. Our approach to the education of children with Special

Educational Needs/Disabilities is to:

� integrate each child as fully as is reasonably possible;

� provide the opportunity for each child to experience and participate in

each area of the curriculum as is reasonably possible

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� provide the opportunity for each child to experience and participate in

school life as fully as possible

� enable each child to gain a sense of achievement and have no fear of

failure or recrimination

� nurture each child to reach their optimum potential.

Many children experience some problems or difficulties during the course of

their school life. We seek to identify early those pupils who experience learning

difficulties, either short term or long term, and to provide appropriate levels of

support for them. This action gives the child the greatest possible chance of

responding to additional help. With this in mind pupils with learning difficulties

are taught according to individual need. A child identified with Special

Educational Needs is given extra help by the class teacher and class teaching

assistant. Support is given, where appropriate, by the Lancashire Education

Inclusion Service (LEIS) and the Educational Psychology Service. The progress

of these children is carefully monitored and appropriate provision is provided at

each stage of their development and individual programmes of study (IEPs) are

devised where necessary. Parents are kept involved and informed in this process

and are encouraged to participate in the learning process and share in the

decision making to give the child the greatest possible support

In accordance with the aims expressed in our Mission Statement every effort

will be made to accommodate children with disabilities. In such cases we would

encourage parents to discuss their child’s disabilities with the Head Teacher.

The school is all on one level and recent work has been carried out to facilitate

wheel chair access to the school building.

The Governors have a nominated member who is specifically responsible along

with the Head Teacher for all matters connected with special educational needs

provision.

Gifted and Talented Children

Children who show exceptional ability –termed by the Local Authority: Gifted

and Talented- will be encouraged to work to their full potential and maximise

this in accordance with their capabilities by the provision of extension work.

Where appropriate, links with external agencies and clubs will be utilised to

facilitate their interests and development.

Inclusion/Equal Opportunities

In keeping with the purpose of our Catholic school we are motivated by the love

of Christ for all and regard all people as equal. We seek to include all pupils in

every aspect of school life and promote equal opportunities in all aspects of

school life regardless of colour, creed, gender, race disability or age.

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential to good educational progress. We very much

appreciate the efforts of our parents in helping us have an excellent attendance

record. Over the last four years we have had no unauthorised absences and an

absence rate of less than 3%.

We appreciate parents contacting us if their child/children are going to be off

school. If a pupil is not in school by 9:30am and we have not heard from the

pupil’s parents then we will contact them to ascertain the reason for absence.

Absences must be authorised, as any unauthorised absences or 80% attendance

at any point of the school year will trigger a visit to the pupil’s parents by LA

officers and possible truancy proceedings.

Holidays during Term Time

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The school has the right to refuse permission for a child to be taken on holiday

for more than 10 consecutive working days during term time. As children

benefit from continuity in school life we would be grateful if parents would

restrain from taking their children out of school on holiday during term time.

Should this be unavoidable, a request should be made in writing, using the

appropriate from obtainable from the school office, to the Head Teacher.

Holidays taken without permission will be recorded as unauthorised absences

and parents run the risk of truancy proceedings as a consequence.

The School Library

The school library provides a wide range of books. All children at St Mary’s are

automatically members of our lending library and are able to borrow books on a

weekly loan basis for home or school reading. Our library is also used for

reference activities, to develop research skills and for library skills activities.

All the school’s library books are issued using a computerised system and a bar-

code reader. Children have their own library card with a personalised bar code.

This also enables the children to keep a log of their own reading.

Educational Visits

We offer a varied programme of educational visits and activities linked to the

children’s studies in school. Educational visits are very important in delivering

the curriculum as they provide first hand experience in particular areas of the

curriculum as well as stimulus for specific projects. Every other year we take all

the children in Key Stage 2 on a residential visit in which the children have

opportunity to experience a range of outward bound activities. Visits are

carefully planned and lead to interesting and meaningful follow-up work in the

classroom. Please note our trips can only be provided with generous support

from voluntary contributions from parents.

For all school trips the children will be transported in vehicles with seat belts

and will be sat one child per seating place.

Charging Policy

In line with government legislation the Governors have the following charging

policy for trips and school activities:

� No charge will be made for any activity taking place within normal

school hours. Generally, activities which involve all children, and are

additional to the normal curriculum, and arranged for pupils in or out of

the school day, will be subsidised by a donation from St Mary’s PTFA.

However, the cost of these activities is often high and school

funding/PTFA subsidy alone is often insufficient to pay for such

activities so parents may be invited to contribute towards that cost on the

understanding that no child will be penalised by inability or

unwillingness of the parents to pay.

� For activities which fall outside of school hours that are organised with

and run by external organisations, the Governors reserve the right to

charge up to the full cost of such events.

� For activities taking place in school time which involve a charge for

accommodation the Governing Body will waive all such charges to

parents who are in receipt of Income Support or Family Credit.

� For activities arranged through an outside agency, eg peripatetic music

service or tour operator, the arrangements will be between the individual

parents and the operator. The operator would levy charges for the full

cost of the services provided. The role of the school would be limited to

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the collection of remittances from pupils and the distribution of

information.

The School Day

The school day commences at 9.00am and finishes at 3.15pm.

Morning Session KS1 9:00am - 12 noon

KS2 9:00am -12:05pm Morning break KS1 and KS2 10:15am-10:30am

Afternoon Session KS1 1:00pm-2:00 pm then 2:15pm-3:15pm.

(Break 2:00pm-2:15 pm (KS1 only)

KS2 1:00pm-3:15pm

Hours spent on teaching during a normal school day (excluding daily act of

collective worship, registration, breaks and lunchtime):

Foundation/Key Stage 1: 22 hours 35 minutes

Key Stage 2: 24 hours 15 minutes

The school doors will be opened at 8.50am. Before this time we cannot accept

responsibility for children and would be grateful if children did not arrive

before 8.50 am. At the end of the school day children should be picked up

promptly in the interest of safety. We would be grateful if parents would come

into the patio area when collecting children, as this would make it easier for us

to see who as arrived so that we can safely send children out of school. Where

problems occur we should be notified immediately so that appropriate action

may be taken.

If you wish to contact the school there will always be someone available from

8:30am onwards until 4:00pm and often outside these hours as well. Should the

answer machine pick up your call then we will return the call as soon as

possible.

School Uniform

Pupils at St Mary’s need the following;

� Grey trousers, skirts or pinafore dresses. (Girls may wear grey school

trousers in winter only but these must be tailored and of a similar

style/shade of grey to the boys)

� White shirts or blouses (long or short sleeved)

� Boys -grey socks; Girls white socks or grey tights

� Maroon tie -purchase from school

� Maroon sweatshirt / cardigan with school logo -purchase from school.

� Black shoes/sandals must be worn and should not have high heels for

safety reasons.

In summer/autumn the girls may wear blue and white gingham dresses.

Parents are requested to ensure that all items of school uniform have their

child’s name on them.

Book bags and sun hats (both with the school logo) are also available. School

clothing vouchers are accepted as payment for all these items.

For P.E and Games:

� Maroon T-shirt with school logo -purchase from school

� Blue shorts for PE

� Black pumps

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� Trainers, tracksuit bottoms and sweatshirts may be required for outdoor

use during the winter months.

Trainers should not be worn as part of the school uniform during lesson times.

PE items should be kept in a bag, all clearly marked with the child's name, and

left in school during the week.

We also recommend that each child has an old shirt to be used as an apron when

painting as this gives some protection to uniform.

Children with long hair are requested to have their hair tied back in the interest

of hygiene.

Earrings and jewellery should not be worn in school. Should you wish your

child to have their ears pierced we would be grateful if you could arrange for

this to be done at the very beginning of the summer holidays so that the healing

process will be complete and your child’s entitlement to full curriculum will not

be disrupted.

It is school policy that children should not do P.E activities and swimming

wearing earrings or jewellery.

Lost Property

Lost property is kept by the site supervisor in school. Anyone wishing to locate

an item should speak to Mrs Swarbrick or the class teacher.

School Dinners

School dinners are cooked on the premises by Lancashire County Council’s

Catering Services. The food served is prepared from fresh produce and provides

a balanced nutritional diet. The children have a choice of first and second

courses. Currently three quarters of the children have a school meal which is a

very high proportion and a testament to the quality of the meals being currently

served at St Mary’s.

School meals are paid for in advance for each half term. Please send money in

an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name or pay the school clerk in

person at the office. Cheques should be made payable to Lancashire County

Council. The cost of School Dinners is currently £1.70 per day.

If your circumstances entitle you to free school meals please contact Mrs

Diamond, the school Administrative Officer, for appropriate forms and

information.

From time to time parents will be invited to share lunch with their children –

however a charge will unfortunately have to be made.

Packed Lunches

Children are able to bring packed lunches to school but drinks should be

provided either in a plastic container or carton. We would encourage parents to

avoid putting crisps, biscuits, chocolate and fizzy pop into their children’s pack

lunches as we promote Healthy Eating.

Bottled Water

We actively encourage all children to bring in bottles for water into class with

them. Our only stipulation is that they should be filled at break and lunch times

and taken home at weekends for cleaning.

Fruit scheme

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As part of the National Healthy Schools initiative children in Key Stage 1 are

provided with free fruit which we distribute at playtimes. Please encourage your

child to enjoy this provision.

School Milk and Snacks

The children in Key Stage 1 are able to have school milk. The cost is currently

£5:00 per term. There is no charge made if your child is entitled to free school

meals.

Healthy Breaks

To encourage the children to develop healthy eating habits we ask that they do

not bring sweets and crisps into school. Children may bring packets of dried

fruit, nuts or pieces of fruit per day for play time.

Extra Curricular Activities

The school offers a variety of after school clubs and activities for both Key

Stage 1 and 2 children. Clubs are run on a voluntary basis and depend on the

interests and activities of the staff. The types of clubs/after school activities we

offer range from:

� Football for KS1 and KS2 boys and girls

� Choir KS2

� Guitar KS2

� Gardening Club KS1 and KS2

� Games club

� Badminton,

� Judo,

� Dance/Keep Fit

� Fencing

� “Mad Science!”

We regularly invite fully qualified sports coaches into school to provide clubs

and coaching sessions.

We also encourage parental support and participation in these activities –if you

wish to help please let us know!

Sport

We encourage all children to take part in the sporting activities of the school,

and enter teams into a range of interschool competitions. We have won the

Garstang and District Athletics Trophy for small schools twice in the last three

years, are winners of the district’s indoor football tournament and cricket

competition for small schools, and have won the Garstang and District YMCA

Swimming three times in five consecutive years.

Whilst we encourage the children to give their best, we want them to enjoy the

sport they are participating in and hope that this experience may well foster an

interest in later life. Therefore our emphasis is very much on fun and the taking

part.

To enable the children to develop their sporting expertise, interests and abilities

further the school has become part of the local school sports partnership and is

seeking to form links with local clubs.

Health, Welfare and Safety in School

St Mary’s is involved the Lancashire Healthy Schools Initiative, and recently

gained National Healthy Schools Status, and are working towards the

Lancashire Healthy Schools Standard.

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Care and Control of Pupils

The care of the children in school is paramount to all the staff at St Mary’s,

however, if staff become aware of or have a need to become involved in

situations where a child is at risk of hurting themselves or others, or if behaviour

of a child seriously disrupts good order in the school or causes damage to

property, staff will take steps to intervene physically if necessary. In such

circumstances staff will follow the school’s policy for dealing with such

situations.

Discipline

Great emphasis is placed on encouraging children to have regard for their own

behaviour in a friendly and supportive environment which is based upon

Christian values. Good behaviour is expected at all times. To encourage this we

have four general rules which are based upon practical safety and respect, and

which reflect our Catholic ethos. These are:

1) Treat everyone as you would like them to treat you;

2) Work hard and always try your best;

3) Keep your classroom tidy and the school;

4) Look after each others things

We encourage and reward good behaviour and achievement in a variety of ways

including verbal and written praise, merit stickers, credit slips, house points, and

informing parents.

Misbehaviour is dealt with in a constructive manner through a series of graded

consequences.

In all matters of discipline we expect the help and cooperation of all parents. We

find that there are seldom problems in discipline if parents and school work

together to help the children.

Effort and Achievement

Children's efforts and achievements are celebrated in class and whole school

assemblies. Children are recognised for their hard work, good manners, good

behaviour; and much emphasis is placed upon highlighting the positive

contribution that the children make. Credits in Class2 and Smiley Faces in

Class1 are awarded for hard work, quality work, good behaviour, good manners,

good use of initiative and reliability. These credits/smiley faces contribute to a

house competition. The children are split into three houses and the number of

credits/smiley faces achieved by each child in a week count towards points for

their house.

A weekly celebration assembly is held at which pupils' efforts are celebrated.

Not only academic achievement is celebrated but also, sporting achievements

along with the children’s other personal achievements in order to encourage

personal, moral and social development.

Pastoral Care

We encourage all the children at St Mary’s to look after and support each other

and this has led to a very family orientated environment. Many parents have

commented on how well the children respect and care for each other. By the

same token we hope that children with personal problems/worries will feel able

to approach staff at any time with their need for help.

If parents are aware of any cause for concern at school or at home then please

let us know as soon as possible.

Child Protection

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We operate a Child Protection Policy which follows LA and National

Guidelines and is reviewed on an annual basis. All staff, governors, volunteers

and persons running after school activities are CRB cleared.

As we have day to day contact with the children, staff members are particularly

well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure

to thrive. Parents should be aware that where it appears that a child may have

been abused, the school is required to report its concern to the appropriate

authorities immediately.

Bullying

Bullying is not tolerated at St Mary’s and any complaints are dealt with

promptly, and in conjunction with the parents of the children involved. If you

feel that your child is being bullied the Class Teacher should be contacted in the

first instance.

Accidents and Illness in School

Children occasionally have accidents at school and these will be treated by

qualified members of staff. Should your child require hospital treatment, you

will be informed and the child will be taken to casualty. If your child becomes

ill at school we will also contact you as we have no resources or space to

properly care for sick children for any length of time. It is therefore important

that the school has the necessary up to date contact details of either parent or an

emergency contact.

Medicals

The school liaises with the School Medical Service. Children in the reception

will be given a full medical; whilst hearing, vision and dental checks are made

at regular intervals during the primary school years.

Medical Conditions

It is vitally important that the school is informed of any medical condition

which may give rise to concern in school for both child and staff –eg diabetes,

asthma, epilepsy, heart disorders, etc. Asthma sufferers are asked to complete a

record card giving details of medication and must keep their inhalers with them

at all times. We would also appreciate a spare inhaler just in case.

Administration of Medicines

Unfortunately members of staff are unable to administer medicines at school

except under very exceptional circumstances for which permission from the

Head Teacher is required. In such cases the medicine must be in its original

container with the dosage, instructions for dosage and times for dosage clearly

visible. The child’s name must clearly visible on the container/box.

If your child needs to complete a course of medicine eg antibiotics, we ask that

parents arrange the dosage so that it falls outside school hours. Alternatively

parents or carers may call at lunchtime to give medicines to their own children.

This does not apply to asthma sufferers who should, in most cases be able to

self- administer their inhalers.

Parents occasionally ask for their children to stay in doors at play time if they

are recovering from illness. Unfortunately we are unable to provide adequate

supervision for this and feel that once children are considered well enough to

return to school they must be fit for all its demands.

If a child is unfit to take part in swimming or PE lessons a written note should

be provided.

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Hospital/Dental Appointments

Appointments should be notified to the school in advance by letter or telephone

call. Children should be collected from school by a parent. Children will not be

allowed to attend for the appointment on their own.

Statement on Road Safety

Due to the location of St Mary’s and the large, rural catchment area we are very

conscious of the children’s road safety awareness. Therefore we actively

support the development of positive attitudes towards road usage. We do this

through the integration of appropriate road safety themes and topics, such as

Cycle Proficiency and a child pedestrian training programme called “Right

Start”, into the curriculum and through working in partnership with Lancashire

Education Authority’s Road Safety Team. In addition, we make effort to work

in partnership with parents in order to further encourage safe practices on or

near the road, through the provision of relevant publicity materials and

information.

Safety & Security The Governing Body and staff are very conscious of the need for the safety and

security of all the children in school and have taken steps to control access to

the premises during the school day. Fencing has been erected to ensure that

pupils are safe and gates during the school day are kept locked.

The front and back doors are fitted with security locks that cannot be opened

from the outside and yet are easily opened from the inside to allow speedy exit

in case of fire.

Parents and persons visiting the school during teaching time are required to

enter by the front entrance where they are requested to sign the visitor’s book

before admittance and also on departure. This ensures that members of staff

know who is on the premises at any given time.

We regret having had to take these measures but consider them to be necessary.

However, parents are always welcome to visit the school and we do not wish the

above procedures to deter you.

The School and its Community

Parents and the School

We place great value on the role of parents in their child’s education. Parents

are encouraged to keep close contact with the school and visit regularly.

Teachers are available to be seen before and after school sessions -but obviously

not during lesson time. Should you wish to see the class teacher or the Head

Teacher and they are not available at that moment, then an appointment can be

made for a mutually convenient time.

We hold two parents’ evenings -one in the Autumn Term and one in the Spring

Term. These are intended to provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s

progress and to view their work on an individual basis with the class teacher.

Written reports are sent to parents in the Summer Term and will incorporate a

further opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s progress should they wish

too.

Curriculum summaries are provided at the start of each term to give parents an

overview of the work the children will be doing in school.

Information about school events is provided by newsletter every Friday. These

are sent home in your child’s homework bag.

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Parent Governors Several of the Foundation Governors are, or have been parents, of children at

our school. Three of the Governing Body are parents elected by the parents for a

term of office for four years. Every parent has the right to be nominated for

election as a parent governor and to vote in the ensuing election. Details of any

election for the parent governors will be sent to all parents prior to the election.

Parent Teacher’s and Friends Association (PTFA)

There is a small but active PTFA which exists to promote close liaison between

home and school and to encourage parents to take an added interest in the

school. The PTFA works hard to raise money for equipment, books, trips etc to

enhance and broaden the school curriculum for the benefit of all children and

without their help and the support of parents we could not provide the amount

educational visits which we are currently able to offer.

All parents of St Mary’s school automatically become members, ex parents

parishioners friends etc who wish to maintain their connection with the school

may also be members. It is hoped parents will support the PTFA as actively as

they feel able.

Parent Helpers

Without the help of parents and other adults in school there are many activities

that could not take place as effectively. Parental help in school is very important

to us as we feel it not only benefits the life of our school but also enables you to

get to know us and us you. We have helpers who come into school on a regular

or occasional basis to assist with activities such as reading, art work helping

with after school clubs, transport and Christmas concert costume and prop

making. If you have time to spare and would like to help in school please do

not hesitate to let us know.

Community Involvement

St Mary’s strives hard to be involved in the community of Great Eccleston and

the surrounding area. The school contributes to the village’s entry in the Wyre

in Bloom contest, to the school’s tent in Great Eccleston Agricultural Show and

encourages the its pupils to enter the individual art competitions, as well as

entering teams in various local fetes and galas. Each Christmas the children visit

Thistleton Lodge and Northlands residential homes to sing carols to their

residents. Our Reception year group regularly visits the local playgroup

regularly.

Links with St Mary’s Parish Church

As a church school we have strong links with St Mary’s Church. The parish

priest regularly visits the school and the children visit the church for Mass, acts

of worship (eg services of reconciliation) and as part of the Religious Education

programme. The school also contributes stalls to the annual Parish Fete.

Complaints/Access to information

As a school we try hard to keep parents well informed about matters concerning

their children and the school. Should you have any problems or require

information regarding your child please contact the class teacher in the first

instance and then if necessary the Head Teacher. A copy of the school’s

Procedures for the handling of Complaints is available from the school office on

request. A Governor’s Complaints Committee will also consider any formal

complaints which have not been resolved.

Examples of documents parents are entitled to have access to the on request to

the Head Teacher are outlined below:

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� Any statutory instruments and circulars sent to schools by the DfES

about their powers and duties relating to the curriculum

� Any published OFSTED reports on the school.

� Any policies or schemes of work currently in use in the school

� A copy of the LA’s arrangements for the consideration of complaints

� The Governing Body’s policy statement on RE

A small charge will have to be made to cover the costs of photocopying and

printing.

Useful Addresses

Lancashire Area Education Office - Lancaster and Wyre

Area Education Office

PO Box 607

White Cross Education Centre

Quarry Road

Lancaster

LA 1 3SH Tel 01524 63243

Diocesan Education Centre

The Education Centre

Balmoral Road

Lancaster

LA1 3BT Tel 01524 841190

The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of printing but it

may be necessary to make amendments at any time. The Head Teacher and the

Governors reserve this right to amend the document as necessary.