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St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary School

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MISSION STATEMENT

The school is committed to encouraging every child to

develop fully with regard to his/her spiritual, moral, social,

physical, economic, academic and personal qualities.

The aim is that all children will grow in self-confidence and

become responsible and caring members of society.

We intend that our delivery of the curriculum reflects

these aims, through continuous evaluation of all that is

done in school.

This mission requires equality of opportunity and the

co-operation of Governors, families and parish members to

foster a Christian atmosphere and a caring Catholic

Community.

To achieve these aims we endeavour to :

- Pray with and for each other.

- Show consideration and care for others.

- Foster friendliness and value, politeness, honesty and

sharing.

- We also encourage children and staff to care for and

appreciate their school environment.

- Encourage the children to become religiously literate.

- Promote a healthy safe lifestyle for pupils and staff.


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Welcome from the Chair of Governors

On behalf of the Governing body of St. Matthews Catholic Primary School I

would like to extend a very warm welcome to you and your family.

I have been involved as a Governor with St Matthews since 2011 and became

Chair in January 2016. I am proud to be involved in working with Mrs Pye and

the staff to help provide the best possible education for the children at the

school and to help them develop into caring and responsible members of

society.

St Matthew's has been part of the St. Thomas More Partnership of Schools

since April 2015 and this has brought many benefits to our school, not least the

close working relationship we have with the other two schools in the multi-

academy trust; St Thomas More, Blaydon and Sacred Heart, Byermoor. Both

of these schools are rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted and it is our aim to achieve

this also after being rated good in all areas in January 2015.

As a governing body we welcome feedback from parents as we strive for

continuous improvement, we send out a 'Governor-Parent' survey and also

have a Governor Newsletter which is sent out via Parentmail to help keep you

informed about the results and future direction of the school. If you need any

more information on the school including policies please visit our shiny new

website www.stmatthewsprudhoe.org where you will find a wealth of useful

information!

I would also like to take this opportunity to stress that St Matthew's is, unlike

other schools in the Prudhoe area, part of a 2 tier system and will care for your

child until the end of year 6 (age 12) and is a feeder school for St Thomas

More in Blaydon. I would encourage you to support this structure which we

believe gives the best and most consistent path of education for your child.

Finally, the Catholic ethos of the school is at the heart of everything we do,

this is supported by the close relationship we have with Our Lady and

St Cuthbert's Church in Prudhoe. We are confident that this ethos along with

the high teaching standards will give the children the best possible preparation

for secondary education and beyond.

R. Paisley

Mr Richard Paisley

Chair of Governors

St Matthew's Catholic Primary School

http://www.stmatthewsprudhoe.org/


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LETTER FROM THE HEADTEACHER

Dear Parents,

We would like to welcome you and your family to our school. We

hope that your child/children will be very happy at St Matthew's

Catholic Primary School and will enjoy being a member of our

school community. This prospectus is intended to give details of the

school and its operation and organisation. If after reading it, you are

unsure about any aspect of the education offered at the school, please

contact us. If you have any concerns or worries while your child is at

the school, please do not hesitate to come in and discuss these with

us. We aim to create a caring learning environment that enables

everyone to reach their full potential.

We believe that your child's education is a partnership between home

and school. We are fortunate to have an attractive modern building

on a wonderful site and we are extremely fortunate to have continual

access to outdoor learning in our Early Years Unit. The Primary phase

of education is absolutely vital for future educational success, and we

will do our utmost to enable your child to achieve the highest

standards. There will be many opportunities for you to visit the

school and, we hope, share in our activities. We look forward to

working with you.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. B.M. Pye

Headteacher


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GENERAL INFORMATION

THE SCHOOL St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary School Highfield Lane Prudhoe Northumberland NE42 6EY Telephone 01661 835484 E-mail : [email protected]

Website : www.stmatthewsprudhoe.org

LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY Executive Director Wellbeing & Community Health Northumberland County Council County Hall Morpeth Northumberland NE61 2EF Telephone: 01670 533000

Status of School : Mixed Roman Catholic Primary, Nursery &

Daycare. St. Matthews is a Partnership School of the St. Thomas More Multi Academy Trust.

Age Range : 3 – 11 years Currently on roll : 129 Currently on Nursery roll : 32 Headteacher : Mrs. Bernadette Pye Executive Headteacher : Mr. Jonathan Parkinson CHAIR AND CORRESPONDENT GOVERNOR Mr. Richard Paisley c/o St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary School Highfield Lane Prudhoe Northumberland NE42 6EY Telephone: 01661 835484



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PRE-SCHOOL PROVISION St. Matthew’s Nursery & Daycare St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary School Highfield Lane Prudhoe Northumberland NE42 6EY Tel. 01661.835484 GOVERNORS Mr. R. Paisley (Chair of Governors) Fr. John Clohosey (Vice Chair) (Foundation Governor) Mr. J. Kavanagh (Foundation Governor) Mr. P. Humphreys (Foundation Governor) Mrs. J. Christer (Foundation Governor) Mrs. L. Ellender (Foundation Governor) Mrs. M. Saunders (Parent Governor) Mrs. A. Cameron (Parent Governor) Miss F. Moore (Staff Governor) Mrs. B.M. Pye (Headteacher) Mrs. C.E. Phillips (Teacher Governor) STAFF Teaching Staff Mrs. B.M. Pye - Headteacher Mrs.C.E. Phillips – Deputy Headteacher Mrs. S..Johnson Mrs. K. Curry Miss F. Moore Mrs. K. Gibson Mrs. P. Hatherley Mrs. M. Saunders Non-teaching Staff: Mrs. L. Hunter Teaching Assistant Mrs. P. Read Teaching Assistant Mrs. A. Wright Teaching Assistant Mrs. I. O’Reilly Teaching Assistant Mrs. H. Wilson Teaching Assistant Miss L. Kell Apprentice Teaching & Learning Miss T. Taylor Apprentice Teaching & Learning Mrs. J. Paxton Administrator Mr. A. Robson Admin Assistant Mrs. P. Potter Kitchen – Unit Manager Mrs. K. Haddow Kitchen Assistant Mrs. S. McCoy Kitchen Assistant Mrs. P. Read Lunchtime Supervisor Mrs. I. O’Reilly Lunchtime Supervisor Miss A. Dando Lunchtime Supervisor Miss C. Burn Lunchtime Supervisor


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Nursery/AfterSchool Staff

Mrs. P. Hatherley – Teacher/Manager Mrs. J. Waters – Teaching Assistant Mrs. S. Morley – Teaching Assistant Mrs. P. Robson – Teaching Assistant Mrs. C. Grant – Teaching Assistant Mrs. A. Wright – Teaching Assistant Miss A. Dando – Teaching Assistant

MATHEMATICS Mathematics is a tool for life. To function in society, we all need to be able to communicate mathematically. We must ensure that the children in our care leave our school with high standards of maths. It is a means of investigating and interpreting our experiences and communicating our findings to others. We aim to develop a child's awareness, ability, purpose and relevance of using maths.

At St Matthews we focus on the three aims of the National Curriculum - Fluency, Reasoning and Problem Solving. We use a range of schemes and strategies to suit the varying needs of our children. 'Active Learn' is used throughout the school which encourages interactive maths and 'Numicon' is also used to promote practical maths to ensure conceptual understanding. Children are challenged to solve problems using a variety of strategies and develop quick recall of times table and number facts. We emphasise the importance of a variety of work which includes discussion, practical and recording both independently and collaboratively.


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We follow a mastery approach to teaching and learning. Children who grasp concepts rapidly will be further challenged through rich and sophisticated problems before progressing to new content. We are continuously developing English language skills throughout the curriculum, where children are challenged to explain and describe concepts as well as recognising connections between ideas. St Matthews offers opportunities for children to work with other Gateshead schools on Interactive Problem Solving Workshops and competitions. As well as the daily maths lesson, children in Key Stage Two complete weekly mental maths activities. Throughout Key Stages One and Two, interactive online maths homework is set weekly to consolidate learning in school.

ENGLISH We aim to develop pupils’ abilities within an integrated programme of Speaking & Listening, Reading and Writing. Pupils will be given opportunities to inter-relate the requirements of English within a broad and balanced approach to the teaching of English across the curriculum, with opportunities to consolidate and reinforce taught literacy skills. Reading is a skill which allows access to all other areas of the curriculum and consequently we give it a high priority. Children will take part in shared, guided and individual reading sessions. As they get older they will be encouraged to read independently and quietly for a sustained period of time during a daily Quiet Reading session. Children are encouraged to read at home and to help you we provide a message system between home and school.


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Our teaching has a strong phonics base (we use Read Write Inc) and young children will use a scheme to help them learn their sounds. Reading books are colour coded to allow children an element of choice of reading material while also ensuring that they are selecting books of an appropriate level. We make use of a number of core reading schemes. When children are confident and competent readers they have a free choice of books from the library. We try to ensure the children read a range and variety of texts including fiction and non-fiction books. Writing in school is taught in units that cover different styles of writing. Each unit ensures that children are taught the key features of the genre and the appropriate skills to write in this style; this includes grammar and punctuation skills. Much of our children’s writing takes place as part of work in other areas of the curriculum and is an opportunity to make use of the skills that they have learnt. Speaking and listening skills are also given a high proportion of time and thought. We believe that our pupils should be able to express themselves clearly to a variety of audiences while also having the ability to listen to others.

SCIENCE In science we aim to ensure all children develop

scientific knowledge and conceptual

understanding through the specific disciplines of

Biology (Plants, Animals including humans,

Seasonal Changes, Living things and their

habitats, Evolution and inheritance), Chemistry

(Everyday materials, Uses of everyday

materials, Rocks, States of matter, properties

and changes of materials) and Physics (Seasonal

changes, Light, Forces and magnets, Sound,

Electricity, Earth and space). Children become familiar with

technical language and are able to use it accurately and precisely.

They also get opportunity to apply their mathematical knowledge to

their understanding of science including, collecting, presenting and

analysing data. Children are encouraged to study science in an

investigative way.


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They are encouraged to ask questions and make predictions. We aim

to develop their skills in observing, communicating, measuring,

recording, classifying, pattern recognition and controlling variables.

At all times the children are reminded to work in a safe way at all

times.

Looking at skeletons in Science


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HISTORY In History, we relive events and memories and develop a sense of

identity, through the study of past events.

Through learning about our past and ancestors, children are given an

opportunity to make sense of the world in which we live.

Through the delivery of a varied programme of study in History, pupils

are introduced to strategies to help them to fully understand and

interpret the past.

GEOGRAPHY In Geography, we encourage children to ask questions about their local environment, and to look closely at and different geographical features. We invite them to share their opinions about places and communicate their ideas in a range of different ways. At Key Stage 1 children look at another locality, in contrast to Orton Wistow and they find out how different places are connected to other places in the world and look for similarities and differences. We also help them to develop their geographical skills by exploring a range of sources including globes, maps, plans, photos, videos and texts. In addition, we help them to recognise changes in the environment and discuss how environments can be improved and sustained. In Key Stage 2, we build on the children's learning by looking at the wider world. The places studied are linked very much with our topic work. We also like children to undertake fieldwork activities, where they are encouraged to draw/collect/record evidence and draw conclusions about what they see. We teach them to use appropriate geographical vocabulary and encourage them to describe and make comparisons between places. We help them to recognise how they can improve/damage an environment and show them how decisions about places can affect the quality of people's lives.


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FRENCH All pupils will study French from 4 - 11 years for one half hour session per week. Language learning places the emphasis upon communication. During French lessons pupils will be taught communication skills in the foreign language. There are 4 attainment targets namely listening, speaking, reading and writing. Whilst not teaching objectives themselves, these skills overlap and complement each other enabling the learner to become linguistically capable. Each skill must be developed adequately to allow language learning to take place. The weighting of each skill will largely depend upon the age and ability of the pupils but overall at this stage, work will largely be aural and orally based with less of an emphasis on reading and writing. Children will be taught how to listen carefully and discriminate sounds, identify meaning and develop auditory awareness. The focus on speaking the foreign language will be upon correct pronunciation and intonation. Pupils will be taught to read simple signs, notices, adverts, and menus and respond appropriately. At an early stage writing will consist of copying words but eventually pupils should be able to convey information, opinions, attitudes and feelings.

HEALTHY SCHOOL

St Matthews Catholic Primary School provides children with information

about health education, which encourages them to make the correct

choices in terms of their health and wellbeing.

We promote and encourage children to make their own healthy choices

through providing a broad and balanced Physical Education curriculum

and through working closely with our school chef, to ensure that

children are provided with a balanced menu on a daily basis.

We are currently holders of the Enhanced Healthy Schools Award.

Health Education in our school also promotes positive relationships

within our school, which is supported by the schools ethos. Staff and

children have a mutual respect for one another, which is portrayed

throughout daily life in our school.


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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Through a growing awareness of God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ His Son, the children will develop and deepen their spirituality and enhance their feelings of self-worth in order that their relationship with others and the world around them will be a loving and caring one. We believe it is important to feed the soul as it is the mind and body. For our spirituality to grow and deepen we must experience respect, love, care and forgiveness from the people around us.

The ways in which we seek to celebrate our spirituality are by school Masses, Services of Reconciliation, preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, assemblies and prayers and non-eucharistic liturgies.

Parents do have the right to withdraw children from these lessons for conscientious reasons. However, parents are also reminded that the school exists to give a Catholic education to its pupils and that therefore they are expected to be in sympathy with its aims and objectives. Our children in Year 4 follow the Diocese programme for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.


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DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

In DT we use different media such as clay, fabric or wood to design and create an object that is fit for a purpose and usually relates to our topic work. Evaluation is an important element of DT and children are encouraged to evaluate their own work and identify any design or skills weaknesses and decide what they need to do in future to improve. DT also encompasses food technology teaching children about healthier food options, health and safety and recipes from past and present using basic cooking skills.

MUSIC At St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary School our children experience a wide range of musical experiences. They have access to a variety of musical instruments such as percussion, recorders, glockenspiels, handbells and ukuleles. They learn traditional and modern songs as well as songs from other cultures. Famous musicians are studied, as are classical pieces of music. Children are taught simple notation and are given the chance to compose their own musical pieces.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Here at St Matthew’s all children are encouraged to build on their

natural movement, creativity and imagination through PE.


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Each child is entitled to 2 hours of PE per week, which includes a

variety of sports, delivered by class teachers, PE teachers and

specialist sports coaches.

We offer a range of after school sports clubs, which run on a half

termly basis; these include netball, dance and athletics. Children are

provided with lots of opportunities throughout the year to participate

in festival and competitions.

A Change4Life club is also provided throughout the academic year, this

club encourages children to develop in terms of physical activity, self-

esteem and social interaction.

We offer an inclusive curriculum in P.E. to ensure that all children are

able to fully participate.

Pupils from Years 4, 5 & 6

once again took part in the

annual Dance Festival

organised by

Gateshead (SSP) .

Pictured here following their

brilliant performance inspired

by music from

hits of stage and screen

from the 80’s.


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Year 6 pupils enjoyed a 3-day Bikeability Cycle Training scheme held within Northumberland by Cycle Experience. At the end of the course they were all awarded certificates of ability.

Throughout the year we support various charities and hold fund raising events. Here we are enjoying taking part in Red Nose Day with a Danceathon and enjoying a coffee afternoon in support of the MacMillan nurses.

The school took part in the

Gateshead SSP

“Go Run for Fun”event

this year held

at Saltwell Park.


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Three residential visits were held during May/June. Years 4 pupils went to Gibside Adventure Centre for 2 days; Year 5 pupils went to Weardale Activity Centre for 3 days and Year 6 pupils enjoyed 4 days away at Galloway Outdoor Centre. Many pupils conquered fears and rose to challenges and experiences for the very first time. Lots of wonderful memories were made.


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SWIMMING

Swimming lessons form part of the PE National Curriculum and pupils in Key Stage Two are required to be able to swim a minimum of 25m by the end of Year 6 using a range of strokes. All swimming lessons take place at Prudhoe Waterworld Leisure Centre and are given by a qualified Swimming Teachers on a Wednesday morning. The upper Key Stage 2 children also have supervised Gym sessions and the lower Key Stage 2 children have team building fitness sessions. Starting September 2017 children will walk down to Waterworld, accompanied by Staff, and return in time for lunch - a voluntary contribution of £2.00 per week, payable via ParentPay to cover these costs.

ART

Learning in and through Art provides pupils with a unique way of perceiving themselves and the world. The ability to see clearly and to draw, paint, model and handle the associated technical problems is essential in a world that relies increasingly on direct visual communication. Art is concerned with the development of perception, physical and technical skills, awareness of cultural changes and differences and the ability to discriminate and make sensitive, informed judgements. At St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary School we encourage the children to develop their own artistic competence by providing appropriate stimuli, materials and conditions for learning.


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COMPUTING

Using a data logger to investigate opaqueness

A high-quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. Computing has deep links with mathematics, science, and design and technology, and provides insights into both natural and artificial systems. The core of computing is computer science, in which pupils are taught the principles of information and computation, how digital systems work, and how to put this knowledge to use through programming. Building on this knowledge and understanding. Pupils are equipped to use information technology to create programs, systems and a range of content. Computing also ensures that pupils become digitally literate – able to use, and express themselves and develop their ideas through, information and communication technology – at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a digital world.

We held our very own art exhibition in school. Each class chose a famous artist, studied the work and reproduced their own art work in the style of the artist. The work was professionally framed and hung in our very own gallery. Parents were able to visit the gallery and purchase the framed work.


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Children have access to laptops and ipads in class to use for dedicated ICT and cross-curricular lessons and research. Children are taught e-safety in class and all computers within school are monitored by Forensic Software.

PSHE

We see Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHE) as being at the centre of the teaching and learning of our pupils. It has a positive influence on the ethos, learning and relationships in the school and therefore receives the full commitment of the school community as a whole. The areas included in PSHE are, Self Esteem, Sex and Relationship Education (SRE), Drug Education, Personal Safety, Relationships and Healthy Lifestyles. These relate to the broader areas of our school life such as Spiritual and Moral development, Equal Opportunities, Behaviour Management, Health and Safety as well as the Healthy Schools Initiative. We make use of dedicated sessions per week which are purely devoted to this aspect of our curriculum when teachers will explore feelings, relationships, expectations as well as how to keep safe. We are committed to teaching through Statements to Live by, SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) which is supplemented by lessons on Keeping Safe and Keeping Healthy. The school takes a firm stance on issues of honesty and bullying and constantly reinforces its Anti-bullying policy code. We ask that parents take time to go through these with their children regularly.

SEX EDUCATION Sex education in school is treated naturally from a young age and our aim is to answer questions when they arise. We treat this subject as a joint school/Parent responsibility that should be dealt with sensitively. Any questions that are asked are answered honestly and carefully. The Governors believe that sex education should be part of a broad and balanced curriculum and at Primary School level should not be subject to special instruction. It will normally be delivered as part of the Science and P.S.H.E. curriculum.


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SEN At St. Matthew’s we aim to identify difficulties and barriers to learning as early as possible, to ensure the best possible outcomes for the child. We recognise that children identified as having additional needs may require extra provision within the curriculum to enable them to make progress, whether their needs are academic, behavioural or medical. Wherever possible, we aim to include children in any decision that are made and give them ownership of their learning. All children are taught within their peer class group within learning outcomes differentiated to accommodate the range of needs within the classroom. If appropriate, supplementary programmes are used to provide more focused, targeted support while also giving the children access to a broad, rich curriculum. This additional support is most often delivered by a Teaching Assistant on a one-to-one basis or within a small group. We strongly believe that close partnership with parents is imperative if we are to fully meet the needs of our children and strive to develop mutually supportive relationships. This a two-way relationship and we encourage parents to share information with us which may assist us in effectively support the child in school. At times, it may be necessary to access a range of external education and medical professionals who are able to assist us in assessing children’s needs and providing specialise recommendations to support children’s development. This is always done in consultation with the parents.

HOMEWORK The amount of work children are asked to do at home increases are they grow older. Homework tasks may include times tables, completing project work or specific homework sheets and activities which relate to the work in class that week or term. Your active participation will often be needed. Reading and/or discussing texts at home with your child is very important and should be done regularly

ASSESSMENT Your child is constantly being assessed throughout all lessons, in whole class work, independent work and guided or supported sessions. Children are given feedback verbally during lessons and written feedback through marking and written dialogue; this allows them the opportunity to revisit and improve their work and to make progress against their individual targets. Older children are taught to assess their own work against Success Criteria for any given lesson and they are also taught how to assess and mark the work of their peers.


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In addition, more formal assessments take place at the end of every half term in maths, writing, reading and GPS (Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling). At the end of Key Stage One (Year 2) and the end of Key Stage Two (Year 6) children are formally assessed using National Standard Testing, known as SATs. At the end of Year 1, your child will be assessed using the Year 1 Phonics Screening test. Information evenings and parent guides will be offered for both the phonics screenings and SATS tests in the Spring term. You will be kept fully informed of your child's progress and achievements when you meet your child's teacher at Parent's Evenings, which are held once every term. You will also receive a full written report at the end of the Summer Term.

TRANSITION We have excellent links with St. Thomas More for the transition of children from Year 6 to Year 7. These links have been build up over several years. All children visit St Thomas More for the day towards the end of Year 6 and experience life at Secondary school. They are able to get to know other children and particularly those children who will be in the same form class. They are also able to meet their Form Teacher. Vulnerable children will have the opportunity to visit more often during the last term at Primary School. In addition children in Year 6 have a day of team building activities at Gibside where they are arranged in varying groups with other children from the feeder Primary Schools and they are able to make new friends in a very relaxed atmosphere. St Thomas More highly support the children and have said many friendships have lasted for years in Secondary Schools as a result of this day. Staff from St Thomas More also visit the children in their Primary School to talk through issues with them and children are able to ask any questions they may have. They also collate information from the Primary School teacher regarding the attainment and progress of children. Finally Year 6 children attend the Primary School Festival at the Emmaus Village with the Youth Mission Team for a day of reflection and prayer focussing upon their Primary School days.


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Links with St Thomas More are also continued with a visit from the Primary School teacher to St Thomas More in the Autumn Term to check on the children and their transition.

PUPIL PROGRESS Parents’ evenings are held three times each year when parents are invited to discuss their child’s progress and to look at his/her work and the work of the school. Parents are asked to make every effort to attend these meetings. If times are inconvenient an alternative appointment can be made. A written report is sent home in the Summer term.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT Entitlement to school transport is based on denomination and not religious conviction; that is you should be a member of the Roman Catholic church in order that your child receives home to school transport to your nearest Roman Catholic school and similarly, you need to be a member of the Church of England in order that your child receives home to school transport to your nearest Church of England school. Parents will be asked to provide evidence of their claim such as a baptism certificate or letter from local clergy. Free transport is available for children :

under 8 years of age who live more than 2 miles from their nearest school

aged 8 years and above who live more than 3 miles from school

SCHOOL HOURS

Morning Session 8.40 a.m. – 10.40 a.m. Break 10.40 a.m. – 10.55 a.m. Lunch Break 12.00 – 1.00 p.m. Afternoon Session 1.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.

SCHOOL RULES & DISCIPLINE At St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that good behaviour is essential if effective teaching and learning is to take place. We aim to provide the guidance, support and care which enables children to cope with life situations in school, at home and in the wider community. The ethos of the school is developed through co-operation, a sense of working together as one community. The school rules are simple and are designed to help the children realise that they are responsible for their own actions and for the effect these actions have on other people.


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1. Children can be left at school from 8.30am. The Headteacher and two members of staff are on yard duty from 8.30am. The bell rings at 8.40am.

2. Children should not leave the school premises at lunchtimes

unless they go home for lunch, unless they have written parental permission, or unless they have the permission of the Headteacher or the teacher on duty.

3. All children’s property should be marked with the child’s name. 4. Children may not wear or bring into school anything that may be a

danger to themselves or others.

5. In outdoor P.E. lessons children must wear trainers. No footwear is worn for dance or gymnastics in the school hall.

6. For health and safety reasons jewellery should not be worn by

children in school and long hair must be tied back or fastened up.

7. Children are not allowed to bring toys or expensive items of personal property to school.

8. Mobile phones are only allowed in school with prior parental

written request. The pupil must hand the phone to the class teacher for safe keeping at the start of the school day and be responsible for collecting it at the end of school.

9. This school has a separate vehicle and pedestrian entrance.

Pedestrians are prohibited from using the vehicle entrance.

10. Parents must not bring cars into our staff car park or Highfield Middle School staff car park. Please park outside on the lane and walk down our footpath.

11. If a pupil is unfit for school, parents are asked to contact the

school as soon as possible on the first day of absence. When the pupil returns, he or she must bring a written note, signed by the parent for each period of absence. This is necessary for our records. Failure to give reason for absence is recorded as an unauthorised absence.

However, when children do not follow the school rules and discipline policy, their parents are invited into school to discuss the matter.


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St Thomas More Partnership of Schools

Admissions Policy

2018

Please click on the link below : www.stmatthewsprudhoe.org

(Parents/Admissions)



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EARLY YEARS AND FOUNDATION STAGE The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) covers the period of learning, development and care of children birth to five. The provision for children’s development and learning is guided by The Early Years Foundation Stage (DfE 2017). In the Early Years Foundation Stage, learning is play based and exploratory.

Our Early Years and Foundation Stage comprises of our Nursery Environment and Reception class providing learning, development and care for children from three to five years. We work towards the Early Learning Goals, which set out what most children are expected to know, understand and be able to achieve by the age of five.


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Our approach to learning and development

Learning through play

Play helps young children to learn and develop through doing and talking, which research has shown to be the means by which young children learn to think. At St. Matthew’s we use the Early Years Foundation Stage to plan and provide a range of play based activities to support children to make progress in each of the areas of learning and development. Learning through play is a very important part of your child’s development. We ensure that there is a balance of creative adult initiated activities, opportunities and resources for your child to initiate their own learning both indoors and outdoors. This inspires them to gain a curiosity of the world around them, develop their social skills and be motivated to try new activities.

Alongside adult led tasks children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning, by planning and carrying out a range of activities independently. From day one we encourage children to make choices and be as independent as possible. We support this by Plan, Do, Review sessions every day.

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Our Early Years reflects the four guiding themes and principles of the Early Years

Foundation Stage.

A Unique Child

Every child is a unique child who is constantly learning and can be resilient,

capable, confident and self-assured.

Positive Relationships

` Children learn to be strong and independent through positive relationships.

Enabling Environments

Children learn and develop well in enabling environments, in which their

experiences respond to their individual needs and there is a strong partnership

between practitioners, parents and carers.

Learning and Development Children develop and learn in different ways. The EYFS framework covers the education and care of all children in early years including children with special educational needs and disabilities.

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How we provide for development and learning

Children start to learn about the world around them from the moment they are

born. The care and education offered by our Early Years helps children to

continue to do this by providing all of the children with interesting and

enabling activities that are appropriate for their age and stage of development.

For each area, the level of progress children should be expected to have attained

by the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage is defined by the Early Learning

Goals.

The 'Development Matters' guidance sets out the likely stages of progress a

child makes along their learning journey towards the early learning goals. Our

nursery and school has regard to these matters when we assess children and

plan for their learning.

The EYFS is organised into seven areas of learning three prime and four specific

areas. The prime areas begin to develop quickly in response to relationships and

experiences, and run through and support learning in all other areas. The prime

areas continue to be fundamental throughout the EYFS.

Prime Areas

Personal, Social and Emotional development

We support children to develop:

Making relationships self-confidence and self-awareness

managing feelings and behaviour

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Physical development


moving and handling

health and self-care

Communication and language


listening and attention

understanding

speaking

Specific areas include essential skills and knowledge.

Literacy


reading

writing


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Mathematics We support children to develop

numbers

space, shape and measure

Understanding the world


people and communities

the world

technolog

Expressive arts and design


exploring and using media and materials

being imaginative

Characteristics of Learning

The ways in which children engage with the

environment and others around them underpin

learning and development in all areas of the

curriculum.

The characteristics of learning are

playing and exploring,

active learning

creating and thinking critically

These aspects support children to become motivated and

effective learners


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Assessment In Nursery and Reception we will continually assess your child's development against the criteria set out within development matters in the EYFS. In Reception we work towards the Early Learning Goals, this is the last stage within the EYFS and contributes to the EYFS Profile document at the end of the reception year. The aim of assessment is to gain reliable information of your child’s progress and next stages of development. This helps us to plan a more personalised curriculum for your child’s needs. We use a variety of methods to assess children; this includes the use of an online assessment app called 2 Simple, this allows for continual assessment on the go. We also use self-assessment at the end of Plan Do Review sessions.

We believe that parents know their children best and we ask them to contribute to assessment by sharing information about what their children like to do at home and how they as parents are supporting development. At the end of the year this information will be shared with you and their next teacher to ensure a smooth transition.

OUT OF SCHOOL PROVISION We are now able to advise Parents that with effect from 5th September 2017 we will be providing a full wraparound facility each school day from 7.30am – 6pm Monday – Thursday and 7.30am – 5pm Friday. The cost will be : Breakfast Club – 7.30am – 8.40am or part thereof - £4.00 per child. A light breakfast will be provided – cereal, toast, fruit, yoghurt, drink. AfterSchool Club – 3pm – 6pm (Monday – Thursday) and 3pm – 5pm (Friday) - £4.00 per hour or part thereof, per child. A homemade snack will be provided. After School and Wraparound facilities are available. We use the school hall and outdoors areas within the school to ensure children have opportunity to experience home based activities in a large welcoming environment. Children have a wide and varied range of games, crafts and activities to enjoy while in afterschool.

homemade snack is provided between 3.30 pm - 4.15pm. Should you require further information a separate afterschool brochure is available on request.


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CLASS ORGANISATION St. Matthew’s Catholic Primary School is divided into five classes with two year groups in some of them. All classes are supported by highly trained effective teaching assistants. We aim to have the smallest number of children in reception class in order that the children may have as much individual attention as possible.

VISITS BY PARENTS Parents are welcome to visit the school, as all members of staff have a full teaching commitment, we do ask that you make an appointment first, so that arrangements can be made to allow the teacher concerned to be free for interview. The School Office is available each day. Messages can be left on the answerphone at all other times.

NEW ENTRANTS Parents of children who are due to start school in September are invited to an evening meeting in the Summer term to be given information and to discuss any issues. Arrangements are made for the children to spend time in school prior to September and on a chosen day the children stay for lunch, this can either be a school meal or a packed lunch provided from home. New Reception children will, at first, undertake a shortened day i.e. leaving school at 1.45 p.m. for the first two weeks.


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Registration Regulations

For registration purposes it is essential that teachers distinguish between authorised and unauthorised absences and, therefore, all parents must let school know of illness, medical or dental appointments as soon as possible. After an absence a written note giving the reason for the child's absence should be sent to the class teacher and, if necessary, referred to when attendance figures are being checked. If your child is absent because of illness, it is helpful if you let us know, particularly if there is an infectious disease. If your child has been away ill, please don’t send them back to school before they are fully recovered as we are not equipped to look after children who are ill in the school setting. If your child has had sickness or diarrhoea due to an infectious cause then we have been advised by the Health Authority that children should only return to school 48 hours after the last incidence of the sickness and/or diarrhoea. Emergency Contact Numbers When your child starts school we give you a form to complete showing where we can reach you in an emergency. It is vital that these emergency contact numbers are kept up to date. We use a school-to-home communications service (ParentMail) and a designated mobile contact number/email address is required for contact. Weekly newsletters, bad weather/school closure/change of arrangements at short notice etc. are emailed via ParentMail. If your child is taken ill at school we will contact you to make arrangements to send them home.

CHARGES AND REMISSIONS 1. School Swimming – Parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution

which is currently £3.50 towards cost (from Sept 2017 they will be walking down and the cost of swim only, will be £2.00 per child per week, payable via ParentPay.) No child is excluded for non payment.

2. The cost of daily educational outings is met part by voluntary contributions and part school funds. Again no child is excluded for non payment.

3. Children under the age of 5 are entitled to free milk as part of a

Government initiative. The child must be under 5 for the whole of the term to qualify. Reception, Year 1 & Year 2 children receive free fruit/vegetables each day as part of a Government initiative.


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4. Dinner money is payable on Mondays in advance, the price of a school

meal from September will be £2.10 per day (£10.50 per week). Payable through ParentPay (an online account set up when your child starts at our nursery/school). With effect from September 2014, under the Government Universal Free School Meals scheme, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are provided with a nutritious free school meal each day.

AIMS OF THE SCHOOL To help pupils develop lively and enquiring minds.

To help children to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life in a fast changing world.

Develop language and number skills.

Help children to understand the world in which they live.

Encourage an appreciation of human achievement.

Provide for spiritual, emotional and moral development based on Gospel values.

Preparation for next stage of education

ROAD SAFETY POLICY Although not statutory, road safety education is incorporated in the curriculum of this school. Pupils are taught general road safety principles, and this is done through both planned and informal ways which are designed to develop a road safety awareness in the minds of pupils. As road safety is particularly relevant to local circumstances and the environment, educational programmes are related to same wherever possible, this includes safe routes to school. Elements of road safety have always been included in work in science and are now incorporated in National Curriculum Science. We have a Parent Shelter to encourage Parents to walk to school.


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GENERAL INFORMATION School meals are available for all children. Further catering information and menu selection are available on our website www.stmatthewsprudhoe.org and follow the links Parents/Catering. PLEASE NOTE: Your child may be able to get

free school meals if you get any of the following: Income Support income-

based Jobseekers Allowance income-related Employment and Support

Allowance support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 the

guaranteed element of State Pension Credit Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no

more than £16,190) Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you

stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit Universal Credit Provision is also made for those children who bring a packed lunch. Further information on our website.

We are a peanut and nut-free school as we have several pupils in school who are allergic to nuts. Please ensure no nuts or cereal bars, cakes etc containing nuts are brought into school. We would mention that care has to be taken at lunchtime in school as we have a child with a white fish allergy. The school colours are, red sweatshirts, grey skirts or trousers. Uniform, P.E. kit and bags, reading folders etc., incorporating the school badge can be bought at Salto UK, Low Prudhoe Industrial Estate, telephone 01661 835240.

The school has a thriving Parent Teacher Association whose aims are

1. To serve as a means of communication between parents and staff. 2. To raise funds for the school.

Elections are held at the AGM and all parents are encouraged to participate in this association.

This event is held early in the Autumn Term.

ARRANGEMENTS IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR ILLNESS In the event of a child becoming ill, or having an accident at School, the Headteacher will need to contact the parents quickly. You are asked, therefore, to give the school a telephone number (or address) of an EMERGENCY CONTACT, in case you cannot be reached at home and to inform school immediately with any changes.



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MEDICAL We have a school nurse based at the Oaklands Health Centre, Prudhoe, tel. 01661.832512. The school nurse visits the school on a regular basis to offer any help and advice regarding any medical problems. The school nurse would be happy to speak to any parent at any time if they required help or advice, or if you have any concerns about your child’s hearing and vision she could arrange for this to be checked. The school nurse can be contacted at the above telephone number or through the school.

Hearing and Vision Routine testing of hearing and vision is carried out by a technician during a child's Reception year at Primary School. Some children may need to have a test repeated. Routine testing may be carried out at other times or if a child changes school. The result of the tests is sent to the parents. It is assumed that parents have no objection to their child having hearing and vision tests. Please inform the school if you do not wish your child to be tested. Heights & Weights Routine checks are carried out by the School Health Team to measure height and weight of Reception and Year 6 children. This is usually carried out in the Spring term.

INSURANCE Although the highest possible regard is given to the safety of children at school it must be accepted there are always likely to be situations where injuries occur. Children are covered by the Multi Academy Trust insurance only in cases of negligence. Most accidents that happen in school are genuine mishaps where no negligence is involved. Children are always insured for all school outings


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SCHEDULE OF SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND CLOSURES FOR YEAR 2017-2018

Two more INSET days are yet to be used for Staff professional development. These dates are still to be confirmed by the Governors.

HOLIDAY OR CLOSURE DATE SCHOOL CLOSES DATE SCHOOL REOPENS

TEACHER TRAINING DAY MONDAY 4th SEPTEMBER 2017 TUESDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2017

OCTOBER half term 2017 Friday 20th October 2017 Monday 30th October 2017

CHRISTMAS 2017/2018 Thursday 21st December 2017 Monday 8th January 2018

TEACHER TRAINING DAY FRIDAY 22nd DECEMBER 2017

SPRING half term 2018 Friday 9 February 2018 Monday 19 February 2018

EASTER Thursday 29th March 2018 Monday 16th April 2018

MAY DAY 2018 Friday 4th May 2018 Tuesday 8th May 2018

SUMMER half term 2018 Thursday 24 May 2018 Monday 4 June 2018

TEACHER TRAINING DAY FRIDAY 25 MAY 2018 (may be subject to change)

SUMMER 2018 Friday 20 July 2018 TBA


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DATA PROTECTION AND SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE For many years schools and the School Health and Dental Services have worked together to ensure that all children in school are offered immunisation, health and dental surveillance, advice and support. To do this the School Health and Dental Services need population databases – an up-to-date list of all children attending school. These are used to provide programmes, including immunisation against tuberculosis (BCG) and meningitis C and dental, hearing and vision screening. In response to changes in the Data Protection Act we are required to ensure that parents know that the school gives your child’s name, address and date of birth to the School Health and Dental Services for this purpose. This information will be shared unless you advise the Headeacher in writing that you do not wish this to happen. Please note that no immunisation or dental work is carried out without a signed consent form from the parent or guardian.

DATA PROTECTION ACT

The school complies with the Data Protection Act and you will receive a Privacy Notice letter regarding this. This concerns data that may be passed onto the Department of Health and Primary Care Trusts regarding very basic information about your child. You can be assured that we follow the guidelines very carefully. Further details are available from the school Office.


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