School Brochure

 

 

 

 

St Thomas’ CE Primary School

Marriott Street

Stockport LEA SK1 3PJ

Telephone: 0161 480 4742

Fax: 0161 477 0662

Email: headteacher@st-thomas.stockport.sch.uk

Chair of Governors:  Mr M Eveson

Headteacher:  Mrs J Gray B Ed (Hons) NPQH

 Welcome

Welcome to St Thomas’ CE Primary School.  We look forward to developing a fruitful and happy relationship with you during your child’s time at St Thomas’.  In recognising you as the most important teacher in your child’s life we also recognise the vital importance of us working together for the benefit of your child.

 

The aim of this brochure is to provide you with information about St Thomas’.  The information is relevant for the whole year so it is important that you keep the booklet in a safe place for future reference.

 

Features of St Thomas’ include:

• a safe, supportive and caring ethos based on Christian principles
• whole school emphasis on raising self esteem
• a focus on the whole child and their development
• a focus on children and their learning
• emphasis on academic achievement
• welcomed inclusion of parents/carers as partners
• friendly, experienced staff
• an emphasis on extending children’s experience by offering a wide range of extra-curricular activities
• specialist sports programme
• involvement of families
• emphasis on multi-agency co-operation for the benefit of the whole school community

 

St Thomas’ Church of England Primary School

The school is a Voluntary Controlled day school for children from 3 – 11 years.  There were 122 children on roll in October 2008 and we plan to admit 22 children each year.  Our Nursery offers 40 part-time places.

 

St Thomas’ is the oldest free school in Stockport.  The original Victorian 2 storey school, built in 1837, was replaced by the present, modern purpose built building in 1967.  The building consists of a dedicated office area, 5 classrooms, a fully-equipped computer suite, an SEN room/parents area, a quiet room for one-to-one and an octagonal hall which is used for assemblies/PE/dining room.  There is also a room that is used by the Local Authority Advisers for storage.  Externally to the front of the building there are pleasant lawned areas; to the rear of the school building there is a large hardcore surface for games activities, and a recently installed synthetic all-weather pitch, in addition there are two dedicated areas for Foundation Stage outdoor play. 

 

Visiting our school

We encourage prospective parents to visit the  school by arrangement, and we encourage you to bring your child along to be introduced to the teachers and visit their new classroom.  This helps the children to build a picture of school life and start to make the friendships that can last for life.

 

Our Children

We aim for each of our children to fulfil their potential.  All children are individuals; different in temperament, attitudes and ability, and learn at different rates, so we carefully structure our classroom organisation to support this. Equal opportunities are implicit and explicit in all that we do in school. We pride ourselves on caring for our children well, both in terms of academic progress, and in their physical, social and emotional needs.  Please let us know if your child has any particular needs.

 

Admissions

Arrangements for the admisson of pupils  including those with disablilities

Admissions to Stockport Community and Voluntary Controlled schools are based on the child’s pricipal parental home address. During the normal admissions round the criteria used in the case of oversubscription is as follows:

 

Regulations require that places are provided:

• For pupils who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs naming the school
• For Children in Public Care

Following this places will then be allocated as follows:

• Sibling applicants
• Highly exceptional medical/social reasons
• Children resident within the priority of the school
• Other applicants

 

No places will be guaranteed at any maintained schools in Stockport, excluding Looked After Children and Children with a Statement of Educational Needs that names the school.

If there is competition for places within the above categories, appliacnts will be ordered by distance, measured by straight-line between home and the school using the Council’s GIS mapping system.

Stockports’Admission policy can be viewed via the council website: www.stockport.gov.uk/schooladmissions, in the information for parents’ booklets or upon request from the admissions teams at C&YP Directorate.

Parents have the right to appeal to an Independant Appeal Panel against a decision by an Admissions Authority in England not to admit their child to school of their preference.

School Day Times

 

Children MUST arrive at school by 8.50am.  Any child not in class by 9am will be marked late in the register.  All external doors are locked from 9am so any child arriving after that time must report to Reception and sign in the late book.  Any child arriving after 9.30am will deemed to have arrived after the register is closed and will not receive a mark for the morning session.

 

Nursery Times

 

Children attend Nursery part-time in either the morning session or afternoon session.

 

Morning                     9.00am – 11.30am

Afternoon                12.30pm – 3.00pm

 

Key Stage One

 

8.55am – 10.15am                 Session One

10.15am – 10.30am               Break

10.30am – Noon                   Session Two

Noon – 1.00pm                     Lunchtime

1.00pm – 2.00pm                  Session Three

2.00pm – 2.15pm                  Break

2.15pm – 3pm                       Session Four

 

Key Stage Two

 

8.55am – 10.15am                 Session One

10.15am – 10.30am               Break

10.30am – 12.15pm               Session Two

12.15pm – 1.00pm                 Lunch

1.00pm – 3.00pm                  Session Three

 

Punctuality and Attendance

The parents/carers of any child not in school by close of registers at 9.30am, and who have not contacted school with a reason for the child’s absence, will receive a telephone call from school to ensure that the reason for the absence is genuine.  On their return to school the parent/carer should a note explaining the absence.  Failure to inform school of the reason for absence will result in the child receiving an unauthorised absence mark in the register.  Regular non-attenders will be referred to the school’s Educational Welfare Officer.

 

School Calendar

Term dates for the coming academic year are sent home annually in the previous summer’s Report to Parents.  Regular newsletters detailing forthcoming events are also sent home and posted on the website.  Minutes of School Council meetings are also published on the school website. The calendar is also available to download on the school website.  There is also a Parents’/Carers’ Notice board on the pathway alongside the school which displays the school calendar.

 

School Dress

The school uniform consists of:-

• Grey trousers / skirt / pinafore
• White polo shirt
• Burgundy school sweatshirt or cardigan
• Summer dress - check / stripe
• Burgundy zipped fleece (optional)

 

Sweatshirts, polo shirts, cardigans and fleeces are available from the School Office, as well as PE tee-shirts, gym bags and book bags.  It is encouraged but not compulsory that all school jumpers/sweatshirts/fleeces display the school badge.  Burgundy sweaters/cardigans ets can be purchased at local stores.  These are acceptable.  However, having the proper school uniform gives the children a true sense of belonging and supports effective teaching and learning.

 

Please would you NAME all clothing.  A wooden spring peg is useful for clipping wellingtons or boots together.  It is also helpful for younger children to have their gloves on tape slotted through the arms of their coats.  PE kit should remain in school and washed at each half term holiday.

 

For the sports coach a complete change should be brought as the coaching sessions take place outside except in extremes of weather.

 

Please would you ask your child to report ANY PROPERTY LOSSES ON THE DAY THAT THEY OCCUR, so that we can try to track them down.  Whilst every precaution is taken by the school to ensure that children's property is not lost or damaged, the school cannot accept liability for this.  We do have a lost property container in the school hall.

 

We do not allow any jewellery in school including earrings, and cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage or for injury resulting from wearing of jewellery.

 

Playtime Snacks

In line with our health education policy, we do not allow crisps, sweets or biscuits in school.  We sell fruit and a variety of other healthy snacks at tuck shop each day.  All Infant children also receive at least one piece of fresh fruit daily, thanks to the Fresh Fruit Initiative.

If you wish your child to bring a snack please provide them with a piece of fruit/raisins or other healthy option.  If a child brings crisps, sweets or biscuits they will be required to leave them in their bags until home time and be offered a piece of fruit.

 

Travel to School

Stockport is an urban area well served by public transport.  Services are provided by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) after consultaton with the Council, which is not directly involved in the provision of transport to schools.

           

All queries about school buses should be directed to the GMPTE telephone enquiry unit   (Tel: 0161 228 7811)

 

Children under 13 years of age may travel at the child concessionery fare (currently 40p per journey).

 

Transport on Medical Grounds

Transport may be provided on medical grounds, normally for a limited period, on recommendation of the School Medical Service.

Parents  who wish their child to be considered because they are unable to use public transport  because of e.g. a broken leg, should apply to the Education Services, Special Education, Transport Team (Tel: 0161 474 3848) and enclose a note from the child’s specialist or family Doctor.

 

Cars

If you bring your child to school by car, please do not drive into the school grounds, do not use the entrance as a turning point and do not park within the restricted area outside school.  We are concerned about the safety of ALL children.

 

There are bike racks provided for children who cycle to school.  At present use of the racks is limited. Should you wish your child cycle to school please contact school for a written consent form.

 

 

Governing Body Meetings

Governing Body meetings are "open" - you are welcome to come along as an observer.  The minutes of Governing Body meetings are available from the School office on request.

 

School Meals

Please note that all decisions regarding food in our school are made in line with Government policy and guidelines.

A balanced, healthy, two-course meal is cooked on the premises each day.  There is a wide choice of dishes and salad and fruit are available daily.  Facilities are available for children whose parents wish them to bring packed lunch, which should not include chocolate of any sort, including chocolate covered biscuits, sweets or any drink other than pure juice, milk or still water.  Any drinks must be in non-breakable container.  We limit crisps in packed lunches to two days per week – please ask your child’s teacher which days crisps are allowed.  Water is available for all children and the children are encouraged to use the water coolers in the classroom throughout the day if they need a drink.  Dinner Money should be sent every Monday morning in a named sealed envelope. 

One week’s notice is required for a change from dinners to packed lunch.

 

Free School Meals

Children from families in receipt of New Tax Credits/Child Tax Credit may be eligible for free school meals. Application forms and further information are available from the Education Division's Welfare Benefits Team (Tel: 0161 474 3878) or any of the Authority's Information Offices, and should be applied for even if you do not anticipate your child having a school meal, as other entitlements depend on this one. [Clothing grants are not available to primary age children]

 

Absence

Please telephone school at the start of the day if your child is going to be absent.  Please send a note of explanation on your child's return.  We do follow up and report any unexpected absences.  Our policy is to ring on the first day of absence if parents have not informed us of a child’s absence.

 

Accidents or Illness in School

In the event of an accident or illness we do try to contact parents.  Please make sure that our information about contact numbers is up-to-date.  If we are unable to contact anyone and the accident needs immediate attention, the child will be accompanied by a member of staff to the Casualty Department of Stepping Hill Hospital whilst we continue to try to make contact with parents.

 

Medical Inspections

Dental inspections are held annually and reports are sent to parents of children who require treatment.  Medical inspections are held for new entrants, school leavers and routinely throughout children's time at school.

Head Lice are an ever-present problem in most primary schools.  Daily brushing and weekly inspection with a fine tooth comb at home are an effective way of controlling this.  Your doctor or the health clinic will provide up to date advice on treatments and you may wish to contact our school nurse who can also advise you. (Number is available from School Office)

 

Taking Holidays in Term Time

Parents will be given advance notice of all regular school holidays as soon as they are available.  Please try to confine family holidays to these times.  If, however, you have to take your annual holiday during term time, forms requesting leave of absence are available in the back of your child’s planner.  These should be filled in and returned to the Headteacher.  No more than 10 school days can be granted in any one year.  This is not an entitlement and can severely disrupt your child's education.  The Governors will not authorise holidays during SATs weeks.

 Curriculum
At St Thomas’ we aim to provide child centred learning that builds on the life experiences of the child whilst extending their skills, knowledge and understanding.  Where possible we try to make learning experiential, with hands on activities to stimulate and develop the natural curiosity in all our children.  The core of the curriculum is based on the National Curriculum but encompasses so much more through extension and enrichment, both within and outside of school hours.  We place all our emphasis on improving the 5 outcomes for our children with the Every Child Matters agenda central to our purpose.

 

The five outcomes are:

 

• Be Healthy
• Stay Safe
• Enjoy & Achieve
• Make a Positive Contribution
• Achieve Economic Well-being

 

Extra curricular activities take the form of a wide variety of after school clubs and Key Stage 2 and Yr5/6 residentials.

 

Collective Worship

As a Church of England primary school the whole school ethos is based on the precepts and teachings of the Church of England.  We start each day with a collective act of worship, whether it be whole school or within a Key Stage, and we base our assemblies on the teachings of Jesus.  Father Kenrick visits each Wednesday to lead an assembly based on the Church year and we also visit Church several times a year to celebrate major Christian festivals, including Christmas, Easter, Harvest and St Thomas’ Day.  The children are taught the Lord’s Prayer and we are introducing a school prayer that is said daily.  Children say grace before they leave the classroom each lunchtime.

 

Religious Education

Religious education is taught in accordance with the Stockport Agreed Syllabus.  R.E. is not religious instruction and children will not be encouraged to follow the views of any particular faith group.  The teaching of Christianity will, however, predominate, in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act.

 

Following the Stockport model for R.E. we aim to develop understanding in our pupils in a way that ensures progression in learning.  Pupils will be given opportunities to observe, discover and investigate religious beliefs, practices and values.  They will use artefacts, books, stories and visits and receive visitors where appropriate.

As a Church school we encourage all our children to take part n all aspects of Religious Education and Collective Worship.  However, parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education or collective worship if they wish.  In that case parents are asked to approach the Headteacher to discuss arrangements.

 

Homework

Children are given a small amount of "work" to do at home which becomes increasingly structured.  From the earliest days, we send books home for them to share with parents including story sacks in the Nursery.  Teachers may ask children to undertake research out of school.  When the children enter the KS2 classes more formal weekly homework tasks are set.  Children will also be asked to collect items to do with topics or project work from home and parental support in this helps to strengthen bonds between home and school. 

 

Sex Education

In line with Stockport L.E.A. policy, and the Education (No.2) Act, 1986 the Governing Body has determined that sex education shall form a part of the curriculum at St Thomas’, and that it will be integrated throughout the work of the school, set within a clear moral framework.   Parents have the right to withdraw their children from sex education lessons and should contact the Headteacher if they wish to do so.

 

Reading

We cannot impress on parents too strongly the importance of their support for the children's learning, especially in reading.  Children become good readers when

1)         there are books and magazines around at home

2)        they see adults enjoying reading

3)        they are encouraged and supported at home - throughout their years at primary      school

4)        reading is a daily activity and takes precedence over the computer, television and video

 

Children take reading books home daily.  Please take care of them - we sell special bags to protect them.  It is important to ensure that they are returned EACH DAY so that they are available for your child to share with adults in school.

 

We CANNOT do this job without your support.  Please help us to ensure that all our children become happy, confident readers.

 

Sporting Aims and Provision

The contribution of physical education (P.E.) to the overall education of children  cannot

The contribution of physical education (P.E.) to the overall education of children  cannot be underestimated.  At a time when children engage in fewer physical activities out of school, it is important that we encourage them to engage in purposeful physical activity.

 

At St Thomas’ CE Primary School Primary School, we believe that physical education promotes qualities such as enjoyment, perseverance, enthusiasm, tolerance and reliability.  It can also aid the development of problem solving skills which are crucial to successful group and team work.  Our approach aims to enable pupils to reach their full potential as learners and performers, and the curriculum is designed to provide equality of access and opportunity for all.

 

We employ a professional sports coach to teach the children PE for at least one hour per week in addition to PE taught by the class teachers.  We are also an active member of Stockport Schools’ Sports Coaching Organisation which provides a variety of after-school sports activities alongside other schools in the area; and were awarded the Active Mark in Autumn 2007.

 

We also provide a variety of After-school Sports Coaching provided by school staff and a professional sports coach.

During their time at St Thomas’ children are introduced to the rules and skills of a range of games including:- netball, football, unihoc, pop lacrosse, kwik cricket and rounders.  This is addition to swimming teaching and dance and gymnastics.

 

Promoting Disability Equality

A major strength of our school is our commitment to maximise chances, experiences and opportunities for all children.

 

We take specific steps to prevent disabled pupils being treated less favourably than other pupils. This includes:

• Preparing and publishing a disability equality scheme to show how as a school we meet our duties under the DDA.
• Rigorous system of recording and dealing with issues of abuse.
• High level of staff support
• Well trained and knowledgeable staff
• Well established links with support agencies within the Local Authority.

 

At St Thomas’ we have or are developing facilities to assist access to our school by pupils with disabilities

• A loop system in the hall for hard of hearing pupils
• All doors meet the requirements for wheelchair users Ramps and handles
• High level of staff
• Appropriate lighting and paint types

        Majority of facilities on level or access to linked facilities on ground level.

                                                 

St Thomas’ Disability Plan

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 we are developing an Accessibility Plan that covers future policies for increasing access to our school by pupils with disabilities. Copies of this plan will be available on request from the school office.

 

Future plans involve;

• Increasing the extent to which disabled pupils can participate in the school curriculum.
• Improving our environment.
• To improve the delivery to disabled pupils of information.

 

Special Educational Needs

 

SENCo Mrs J Gray/Mrs G Sorabji

The progress of all children is closely and carefully monitored and assessed from the moment they enter school.  All work is planned by the staff to cover a wide range of ability levels.  If at any time we have cause for concern over the progress of a particular child, we  will liaise with parents to find how we can best support the child.

 

In many cases, extra help may only be needed for a short time, to help a child overcome a particular obstacle.  Sometimes, however, we will need to involve professional people outside the school, including Educational Psychologists, the Learning Support Service, the Behaviour Support Service, the Diversity Service, the School Doctor or Nurse, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapist and Jigsaw project support staff. 

 

We follow Stockport's staged procedure in identifying and supporting "Special Needs".  This may or may not result in a statement of special needs  being issued by the Authority.  Whether or not a statement is issued, we try to ensure that the child has the maximum amount of extra support, of the most appropriate kind to meet his or her particular needs.

 

St Thomas’ Policy on Pupils with Special Needs is available on request from the school office.  This policy is reviewed annually by St Thomas’ Governing Body. Any changes to this policy during the last year are detailed in Governing Body minutes which are also available on request.

 

Gifted and Talented / More Able

 G&T Mrs Gray

At St Thomas’ every child is encouraged to reach their full potential this includes the academically able and those with specific talents, for instance in music, art or sport.

 

We have a teacher who has responsibility for ensuring that our more able children are extremely well catered for. We keep an annual register for children that fall into these 2 categories and we monitor their progress carefully.

 

Through their school career children will have many opportunities to experience an exciting, enriched and extended curriculum, including out of school opportunities.

 

Safeguarding Children / Child Protection

Designated Teacher with responsibilty for Safegauring Children; Mrs J. Gray

We are committed to keeping children healthy and safe.  For this reason, staff are constantly vigilant about the safety of children, and are obliged to report any suspicions to the Headteacher.  It is part of our statutory duty to include the following statement from Stockport Education Authority:

"Schools have an important role to play in the detection and prevention of child abuse.

Parents should be aware therefore, that where it appears to a member of the school staff that a child has been abused, the school is REQUIRED to report the matter to the Social Services Department IMMEDIATELY.  Consequently,in such situations, it is likely that a social worker will contact the parents, NOT the school.

This requirement forms part of the Local Authority's procedure for dealing with child abuse, and is not a matter for the discretion of individual Headteachers or members of school staff."

Further advice is available from the Principal Education Welfare Officer;   Penny Pugh 0161 474 2195

 

Class Organisation

Pupils are taught individually, in groups, and as a whole class.  Children start school in our Nursery or the Reception class,  and then move through three Key Stages, Foundation Stage (Nursery & Reception), Key Stage 1 (Yrs 1 & 2) and Key Stage 2 (Yrs 3 – 6).  Due to the small size of the school we do have mixed age classes through the school and our organisation is flexible to accommodate the needs of individuals and groups of children.

The Nursery and Reception children form our Foundation unit working as a team from the Foundation Curriculum, acquiring skills and knowledge ready for Key Stage One of the National Curriculum.

 

Discipline

We are very proud of the behaviour of our pupils.  Children are expected to behave in an orderly and polite manner both to the staff and to other children.  The teachers follow the school's behaviour policy if children misbehave. If children are to fulfil their capabilities they must be content and happy in the school situation.  Happiness in school is dependent almost entirely on good personal relationships with other people.

 

Children who persistently misbehave in class or bully in the playground are dealt with by a clearly defined line management structure and finally the Headteacher.  We liaise closely with parents and expect parental support as we consider that it is vitally important that we work together for the good of our children, readying them to take their place as a positive member of their community.

 

Children need to learn to take responsibility for their actions, and therefore, if deliberate misbehaviour results in damage to property, we feel that it is appropriate to ask the child to pay for replacement.

 

Self discipline is the overall aim which we try to achieve in a relaxed and caring atmosphere; (supported by our play leaders of older children who organise playground games for younger children).  We follow the Golden Rules and reward our children with  Golden Time for appropriate behaviour andand invitation to the Golden Table on a Friday lunchtime as a reward for positive behaviour and good manners in the dining

room. Children are also invited to lunch club for hard work in the morning sessions.

The Behaviour Policy is available in school.

 

Children's progress

We assess all children throughout their school days over a wide range of skills and knowledge.  More formal tests occur in maths, reading and spelling in Years 1 – 6. The Foundation Stage Profile is completed at the end of Reception and National Curriculum standard assessment tests occur in Years 2 & 6. Other optional tests based on the National Curriculum are held in Years 3, 4 & 5. We also carry out NFER CATS tests in Yrs 3&5 which give us an indication of your child’s potential in the core subjects of Maths, English and Science.

 

We hold open evenings each term, so that parents/carers can come into school to see their child's work and discuss progress with the teacher and parents are given the opportunity to meet the teachers. You will be given a short written report each term with attainment and effort grades.  These reports feed into a fuller written report that will form the basis of consultation at the Summer Parents/Carers Evening. See below.

 

Parents/Carers are always welcome to come into school to discuss problems or ask for advice, and it would be helpful to make an appointment.  Teachers are fully occupied during lesson times, but will be happy to make arrangements to discuss problems before or after school.

 

Reports

We give a short written attainment/effort sheet at each of our termly parents’/carers’ consultation evening.    You will have the opportunity to discuss this report with the class teacherat the meeting.  If you are a non-custodial parent, that is if your child does not live with you, you still have the right to discuss progress and to receive copies of reports or other communication, as well as to buy a copy of your child's school photograph.  Please make sure that we have up-to-date information on your address and make your specific wishes clear to us.

 

Extended School Provision

We offer a free to attend Breakfast Club in the school hall from 8am.  There is a choice of cereal or toast available at 10p per bowl of cereal and 10p per 2 slices of toast.  Fresh juice(10p) and water is also available.  There is also a daily special available at 20p per day eg.  Bacon butty/Sausage butty/Potato cakes/Crumpets/Hot Cross Buns/ Toasted fruit loaf.  Children must sign in and will not be allowed to leave school once they have done so.

 

After-school up until 6pm care and an all-day Holiday Club is provided by the nearby Edgeley Play Centre with whom we have an affiliation.  They will collect children from the school at the end of the school day.  Application forms and price lists are available from school.

 

School also offers a number of varied after-school clubs on site.  These usually finish at 4pm.  You will receive notification of what is available for your child at any one time on an on-going basis.  For your child to attend you must send back the permission slips that accompany these letters.

 

 

Charging Policy

As a school we make a significant financial commitment to providing all our pupils with first hand experiences to enhance their learning.  Our commitment means that we provide a varied diet of educational visits and also a number of visits to the school by specialist external providers.  However, we must ensure that the costs of these visits/visitors are covered and so reserve the right to ask for a donation from children who are involved in those activities which are during the normal school day.  We reserve the right to charge for any activities which take place outside of normal school hours.

 

The school’s Charging Policy is available in school.

 

Documents in School

Parents are invited to inspect any of the following documents in school:

 

• LEA Curriculum Policy Statements
• School Curriculum Policy Statements and Schemes of Work
• Department For Education and Employment circulars and statutory instruments
• A full copy of the complaints procedure
• Governing Body minutes and reports
• OFSTED reports referring to school
• Data protection
• Record Management
• Schools Records Retention
• Freedom for Information   

 

If you wish to see any of these documents in detail, please ask the Headteacher who, given due notice, will make them available to you.

 

Arrangements for Speakers of Other Languages

 Documents may be translated if the body responsible for their preparation (LEA or Governing Body) consider it appropriate.

 

We will make every effort to provide parents who do not have English as their first language with an interpreter and have school documents translated as necessary.