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St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School
Dear Parents,
Welcome to St. Benedict's School. I am pleased to have this opportunity to explain about the work and activities that take place at the school and the Christian values under which it operates.
As parents you naturally want the best for your children and here at St. Benedict's we take that responsibility very seriously.
We have high expectations of our children and we are proud of their attitudes, achievements and the happy atmosphere that they create. Everyone at St. Benedict's is very special and is valued for the contribution they make to the life of the school as well as for the work they do as individuals.
We have a very caring and committed staff who are always available to answer questions and discuss matters as they arise.
Pupils start school in the September after their fourth birthday but we are happy to receive details of the children wanting a place at the school from as early an age as you wish, as this aids our planning.
Above all we believe that for education to be successful there needs to be a real partnership between parents and the school, so although this booklet will provide you with information, if you have not already visited us please come along to meet the staff and the children and find out more for yourselves.
Yours sincerely,
Martin Hammond
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MISSION STATEMENT
September 2005
At St. Benedict's we aim to provide a Christian environment where God and the Gospel values are at the centre of all we do. Within this environment it is our mission to encourage and provide opportunities for our children to develop their full potential spiritually, academically, socially and morally.
As a Catholic school we aim to provide:
1. A warm, caring atmosphere that develops mutual respect and promotes responsibility.
2. A supportive and caring partnership between home, school, parish and community - for the mutual benefit of all its members,
3. A broad, balanced, stimulating and relevant curriculum that provides equal opportunities for all.
4. An open, welcoming school where the quality of work, the relationships, achievements and all our God given talents are highly valued.
It is our intention that these aims are reflected by the actions of everybody connected with the school, as well as being reflected in our Policy Statements and School Development Plan.
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ADMISSION POLICY FOR ST BENEDICT’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL ATHERSTONE
Criteria of Admission – St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School
September 2005
The Admission Policy of the Governors of St Benedict’s school is as follows:
The School’s Admission number is 20.
If the number of applications exceeds the standard number, governors will consider applications according to the following order of priority:
- Baptised Catholic children living* (see appendix 1.2) within the Parish of St Benedict’s who have a brother or sister* (see appendix 1.1) in the school at the time of admission
- Baptised Catholic children living within the Parish of St Benedict’s.
- Baptised Catholic children living outside the Parish of St Benedict’s who have a brother or sister in the school at the time of admission.
- Baptised Catholic children living outside the Parish of St Benedict’s.
- Non-Catholic children who have a brother or sister in the school at the time of admission.
- Non-Catholic children.
Note 1
Children wth a statement of special educational need that names the school must be admitted. This will reduce the number of places to applicants.
Note 2
Priority in each category will be given to children who are in the care of the local authority (Ref Section 22 of the Children Act 1989).
Note 3
If there is over-subscription within a category, the Governors will give priority to children living closest to the school determined by shortest straight line distance measured from front of the school to the home address.
Note 4
Parents who wish to appeal against the decision of the governors to refuse their child a place in the school may apply in writing to Chairman of Governors at the school
Note 5
Unless there are significant and material changes in the circumstances of a parent’s application for their child or the school, the governors will not consider a repeat application in the same academic year.
APPENDIX 1.1
Definition of Sibling/Brother or Sister attending the school at the time of admission.
Brother or Sister (including half brother or half sister, adopted, step brother or step sister ) living at the same home address as the child applying for the place. A sibling connection will not be accepted if the original place was obtained by using fraudulent or false information.
APPENDIX 1.2
Definition of Home Address
Where a child normally resides/sleeps when s/he attends school. Addresses involved in child minding arrangements (professional or with relatives) are excluded. Where a child lives with parents with shared responsibility each for part of the week, the home address will be deemed to be the one at which the child spends weekdays or the majority of the week.
St. Benedict's is a voluntary aided Catholic school, it was originally opened in 1859 on a site at the rear of St. Benedict's Church, Owen Street, Atherstone.
The school moved to its present position in Church Walk in 1963. The school has six classrooms, an activity area, hall and kitchen and is situated on a very pleasant open site which includes two playgrounds and extensive playing fields.
The school takes children from a very wide catchment area of North Warwickshire which includes Atherstone and surrounding villages.
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SCHOOL TRANSPORT
Two school buses operate, one from Warton/Wood End/Hurley/Polesworth area and one from the Baddesley/Grendon area. Any child living two miles or more from school (if under 8) or three miles (if over 8) is entitled to free travel.
The Baddesley bus also serves Atherstone area as a fare paying route (less than 2 miles to school) and proves a valuable asset for parents.
A timetable for the bus appropriate to your child will be issued periodically.
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ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS
STARTING SCHOOL
Children can start school at the beginning of the school year (September) in which they are five. Starting school is a very important event in the life of a four or five year old and in the life of the parents. At St. Benedict's we try to make this event a very happy experience so we have a carefully planned programme of introducing your child to our school, and in particular to the reception class teacher Mrs. Wood.
During the latter part of the Summer Term you will be invited to an evening meeting where you will have the opportunity to hear more about the school and in particular the work that we do in reception. Other matters such as school dinners, buses and uniform will also be dealt with in what we hope is a very worthwhile meeting. The children themselves will then be given the opportunity to spend 2 mornings in Class 1 familiarising themselves and getting to know Mrs. Wood. These mornings prove very successful in dispelling any fears the children may have and generally helping them to feel at ease. Mrs. Wood will then arrange a home visit if you wish. This will enable your son or daughter to get to know Mrs. Wood in the security of your own home, these home visits will take place during the first weeks of term and if you prefer to have this second meeting in school it can be arranged without any problem.
The final part of the settling in begins when your child starts school in September. We have found that this poses no problems as by this stage you
and your child are familiar with the school and in particular with Mrs. Wood. Happy first impressions are very important.
Prayer Friends
New reception children are paired with an older child, a prayer friend, who they sit with during Mass and assemblies and often these partnerships develop into real friendship. We are always aware of the importance of the children feeling safe and secure in a friendly environment.
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SCHOOL MEALS
 School meals are cooked on the premises each day. Details of the current charges are available from the secretary, payment for meals should be paid on a Monday morning for the whole week, using the envelopes provided. In the event of absence money will be credited to the following week. Free meals may be available if you are in receipt of income support, job seekers allowance or entitled to claim child tax credit with an annual income of less than £13,910. Details can be provided by the headteacher or secretary in the strictest confidence.
 Children may prefer to bring a packed lunch which should be in a suitable, named, plastic container. To avoid dangerous accidents you are asked not to send drinks into school in glass bottles.
Children are carefully supervised throughout the lunch times by a team of lunchtime supervisors working under the direction of the head teacher.
PARKING
Many children are brought to school in cars, and we ask parents to please keep the area near to the school gates clear so that the buses can unload and pick up safely, and also to ensure that we do not block the access to the top of Church Walk. There is a convenient car park adjacent to Brook Walk which we encourage parents to use.
To ensure that your children are as safe as possible while in the school grounds we do not allow parents to drive cars into the playground.
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Curriculum
 We have a carefully detailed programme of planning to ensure the work matches the needs of the children, enabling each child to progress at his or her own rate and thereby reach their full potential.
All that your child experiences while at school is part of the curriculum. We encourage our children to do their very best at all times. We strive for work and attitudes that reflect quality, these can only be achieved by effort and commitment. With the use of praise and encouragement we are proud that our pupils enjoy working to their full potential.
We offer a broad curriculum presented in a stimulating environment. We see the National Curriculum as a framework within which we can plan specifically for the needs of your children.
 Throughout the school great emphasis is placed on the Core subjects of English, Maths and Science. We are at present, in the fortunate position of being able to employ experienced part time teachers to enable Literacy, Numeracy and Science to be taught in year groups throughout the school. These smaller teaching groups (with children of the same year group) enable real quality teaching and learning to take place. In addition the foundation subjects of History, Geography, P.E., Technology, Music and Art are taught at the appropriate levels. ICT is taught as a discrete subject and is used to support learning in all areas of the curriculum. As a Catholic School R.E. warrants a special mention later in this section.
Where possible our work is Topic and Theme based using first hand experience where appropriate, to enable the children to see the relevance of their learning. However we firmly believe that children need a good understanding of the basic skills of Maths and English. We aim therefore to achieve a balance between the teaching of these skills and the more investigative approach to learning.
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ASSESSMENT
Each child's progress is carefully monitored at classroom level by the Class teacher through a system of continuous assessment which matches the pupil's developing knowledge, skills and understanding to the National Curriculum levels.
At the end of K.S.1, when the children are 6/7 years old, they are assessed using the National Curriculum Standard Attainment Tasks (S.A.T.s). The children are also tested at the end of K.S.2 (at end of Year 6).
During the Summer Term you will all receive a written report detailing your child's progress throughout the year. Where your child has been involved with the official S.A.T.s., these results will be included.
Our most recent SAT’s results are in Annex 1 at the end of this Prospectus.
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SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Equal opportunities should be available for all children. At St. Benedict's our pupils are valued and we believe they are entitled to an education to fit their individual requirements. The church has always held that every child is a unique gift from God with individual needs and gifts. We try to ensure that in partnership with parents we identify these needs and develop strategies to meet these needs. Children identified as having special needs are given extra provision wherever possible, appropriate to their needs. Individual Education Plans (I.E.P’s) are written by the teacher and shared with parents. These individual plans set out targets and work plans to enable the children to focus on areas that match their specific needs. The plans are reviewed termly or half termly.
Parents are closely involved in discussions regarding the needs of their child, possible provision and with the agreement of parents specialist support services such as the Educational Psychologist, Specific Learning Support Service, General Learning Difficulties or Speech and Language Service may be invited to give support.
Procedures are in place to involve parents at all stages of their child’s development. We believe a close working partnership is vital in ensuring every child reaches their potential.
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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
As a Catholic school R.E. is a very important part of our curriculum. However the R.E. lessons are just a small part of what we offer. We believe our faith influences all that happens within the school, our work, our play and our relationships with each other and with the wider community.
To this end we foster a very caring approach by supporting each other, by fund raising and by working closely with the parish of St. Benedict. Father Peter Gallagher our Parish priest and Vice Chair of Governors, celebrates mass in school each week and parents are always welcome. Daily prayers are said in class and three assemblies are held each week.
Father also comes into school to hear confessions and to support us with our preparations for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. It is on occasions such as these that we can all delight in celebrating our faith together.
Children are prepared for First Holy Communion during the school year in which they are eight. Confirmation is held once every two years when the children are in Year 5 or 6.
Above all we encourage everyone to treat each other with love and respect so that we can all live our lives through our faith.
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Music Provision
 We have a thriving music department. Miss Dyer, our Music specialist, is a very accomplished musician who plays the piano for Masses, Assemblies and school productions and organises a number of extra-curricular activities to encourage musical participation.
The County Music Service provides us with a peripatetic guitar teacher who spends one afternoon in school teaching small groups of children and a peripatetic woodwind teacher offering clarinet and flute lessons to Keystage 2 children.
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SEX EDUCATION
There is no planned sex education in the school curriculum for children until they reach Year 5 (9 to 10 years old). In Years 5 and 6 ‘All that I am’ is followed, a very sensitive and well constructed programme written by the Diocese for children in Catholic schools. Our staff have been on relevant training and the materials and video have been approved by the Governors. We do have a "family life" section in our R.E. policy which deals in more detail with our approach and parents are welcome to study the scheme for Years 5 and 6 if they wish.
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HOMEWORK
All school work done at home supports and enhances work done in school.
Specific homework in Key Stage 1 revolves around developing children’s reading and writing skills. Our home/school reading book provides parents with an opportunity to record the reading done at home. New parents are given guidance on homework to help their children at home. The children are also given spellings and tables to learn.
In Key Stage 2 the homework involves doing specific tasks as well as continued home reading, maths and topic work. We will issue termly guidance regarding topics and homework to be covered to keep you fully informed. The most valuable help parents can give is that of support and encouragement. In particular seeing that their children realise the importance of completing any homework given, to the best of their ability.
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EDUCATIONAL TRIPS
Throughout the year various educational trips are organised linked to the work that your children are covering in class. Our parents are very supportive and appreciate the personal and educational value of these trips and co-operate fully with the necessary requests for voluntary contributions to finance such events.
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SPORTS PROVISION
Swimming
We take children from Years 3 to Year 6 to Atherstone Swimming Pool for weekly lessons. The children are grouped according to their standard and your child should go regularly for at least one and a half terms per school year. Unfortunately we have to ask for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of entrance to the baths and coach fare but the children do have expert tuition and swimming is part of the National Curriculum requirements.
P.E. and Games
We believe P.E. and Games is an important aspect of our curriculum. We encourage the children to be fit and active and enjoy all forms of P.E. including dance, movement, gymnastics and organised games.
The children are all expected to take part in twice weekly P.E. lessons - (a written note of explanation from parents is needed if a child needs to miss a lesson). The junior children also have a games lesson once a week when they play football, hockey, cross country running, touch rugby or tennis, athletics, rounders and cricket in the Summer. Whenever possible we play friendly matches against other schools and enter tournaments. Prior to such competitions practices are held at lunch times.
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Our staff are fully qualified to give your children a variety of sporting experiences and when available we use specialist coaches from N.W. Leisure Services to support, enabling the variety of sports offered to be as varied as possible.
We are always conscious of the safety aspects of sports activities and to this end we ask you to ensure your children wear the correct clothes (see uniform section) and do not wear jewellery such as rings and earrings.
LIAISON WITH ST. THOMAS MORE HIGH SCHOOL
Your children transfer to secondary school at the end of their Year 6. Our pupils usually move to St. Thomas More Catholic High School in Nuneaton. We have a very close working partnership with the school and this ensures that your children's move to their new school presents few problems. Our liaison programme also ensures continuity in all subjects.
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PASTORAL
The head and class teachers have a genuine concern for your children while in their care and every attention is paid to the children's well being. To this end the head or class teacher are available to discuss any concerns you may have. No problem is so small it should not be solved. A matter which may seem insignificant to an adult may well be of great importance to a child. The Head welcomes parents coming in to discuss their concerns. Problems cannot be dealt with if they remain unsaid. Likewise we will contact you if we have any points that cause us concern.
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DISCIPLINE
Discipline in school is along Christian lines fostering mutual respect. We do have high expectations of our children and believe that a positive approach works well. Children are rewarded for good conduct as well as for good work. It is in this area that the home school partnership is very important so that we can be seen to be working together and parents can be kept informed of good behaviour.
If on the rare occasions discipline problems do arise, parents are informed at an early stage through the home school diary. If necessary you are invited into school to discuss the matter, we can then work together to explain to your child what is expected of him or her from both home and school.
HOME/SCHOOL DIARY
The Home/School Diary or Link reading book provides an important link between home and school. The staff may write comments on good work or reminders and you as parents can use the diary for reasons for absence, or medical appointments.
HOUSE SYSTEM
Every child belongs to one of our five houses – St Bernadette, Mother Teresa, St Martin de Porres, Max Kolbe and St Francis. There are many opportunities for the children to win house points - good work, effort, good behaviour etc., and we firmly believe that this House System helps to build a positive attitude. During our Friday Assembly - as we thank God for the work and effort of the week- special mention is made of the children who have contributed or worked in an exceptional way during the week.
ATTENDANCE
We actively encourage good attendance - and children are rewarded with certificates for a term 100% attendance and prizes for a whole year’s full attendance.
If your child is absent from school for any reason please contact us as soon as possible. If a dental or medical visit has to be made during school hours, a letter or note in the home school diary should be sent to the class teacher. New Government Legislation means that unnotified absences are classed as unauthorised absence.
Children will not be allowed to leave the school premises during school hours unless accompanied by a parent. If your child is to be collected from school by any other adult the teacher will require written authorisation from the parent.
Authorised absences for the year 2004/05 were 4.8 %
Unauthorised absences for the year 2004/05 were 0 %
CHARGING
The Governors policy on the charging for school activities is based on the fundamental principle that all education for pupils at the school should be free of charge, as far as possible, if it takes place during school hours.
Voluntary contributions for certain activities will be invited on occasions as is permitted by the 1988 Education Act. The full policy regarding charging for Educational visits, swimming and instrumental tuition is available on request.
MEDICINES
We do not administer any form of medicine in school other than in exceptional circumstances or for asthmatic cases. In such instances the medicine must be left with the secretary clearly marked with the child's name and precise instructions.
However, in the case of the older children, if you wish them to administer their own medicine, provided we have written consent we are prepared to keep the medicines. Again we ask that they be clearly marked with your child's name and the dosage.
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ACCIDENTS
We issue accident notes for all injuries or accidents where treatment has been carried out. These state the incident and advise you of the details. We issue these for all head bumps however minor.
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SCHOOL UNIFORM
By having a school uniform we believe our children develop an identity which encourages them to take a pride in their appearance and in their school, and therefore in the work they do.
We have tried to keep the uniform smart but simple to avoid unnecessary expense, but please ensure that all items are clearly marked with your child's name.
GIRL'S UNIFORM BOY'S UNIFORM
Grey skirt or pinafore Grey trousers
Or Grey trousers White shirt
White shirt or blouse School tie*
School tie * School sweatshirt*
School sweatshirt * or School sweatshirt *
cardigan* Fleece (optional)
Fleece (optional)
Summer:
In the summer boys may wear a short sleeved white shirt or burgundy polo shirt with grey trousers or smart grey shorts.
The girls may wear a yellow check type school dress or grey skirt/trousers with short sleeved white blouse or burgundy polo shirt.
Footwear:
Sensible school shoes (no high heels) and children in Classes 3, 4 and 5 need a change of shoes for indoor use.
P.E.
No jewellery please and no bleached or coloured hair.
GIRLS BOYS
Burgundy* or black shorts Burgundy* or black shorts
Plain white T shirt Plain white T shirt
Pumps or trainers Pumps or trainers
Optional Optional
Burgundy netball skirts * Football strip
Leotards
Jogging suit for winter games Jogging suit for winter games.
*Can be purchased from school.
VALUABLES
No responsibility is accepted for valuable personal property e.g. watches, jewellery toys etc. It is much better to leave such things at home. In fact we actively discourage jewellery as it can be dangerous. If earrings are worn please ensure that they are just simple studs.
If it is necessary for money to be brought into school please remind your child to hand it to the teacher for safe keeping.
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GOVERNORS
We have a very supportive and caring Board of Governors. As an aided school the Governors have to pay 10% towards the cost of maintenance, to this end they work tirelessly at fund raising - which we hope you will feel able to not only support but also enjoy. They do ask that each family makes a voluntary contribution of at least £15 per year towards this fund. This fund is held centrally at the diocese for us to access as required.
The governors' names and photographs are on display in the school entrance hall.
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS
All official documents produced by the DfES, Birmingham Archdiocese and Warwickshire L.E.A. including complaints procedure, are available at school to view on request. Also National Curriculum documents, school policies and schemes are available.
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Home School Agreement
In line with Government legislation we now have a home school agreement in place, a copy of which is at the back of this prospectus.
THE SCHOOL DAY
Morning Session Whole School 9.00a.m. - 12.30 noon
Afternoon Session 1.30 p.m. - 3.15 p.m
In normal circumstances and for safety reasons we prefer the children not to arrive at school too early. We cannot accept responsibility for children's safety on site before 8.50a.m.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Dates of school terms and holidays are sent out annually and copies are available from the secretary. This year’s dates are set out below. Holiday forms are available, from the school secretary, giving permission for children to have up to two weeks absence from school to accompany parents on holiday - but this is not encouraged.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
School Address: St. Benedict's Catholic Primary School (4+ to 11+)
Church Walk, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1PS
Telephone 01827 712320
Headteacher : Mr Martin Hammond
Assistant Headteacher Mrs A Simpson
Teaching Staff: Mrs. K. Wood
Mrs. A. Simpson
Miss R. Dyer
Miss N Harrold
Mrs B Kelly
Part Time Support Mrs. S Robinson
Mrs N Furlong-Smith
Support Staff: Mrs. S. Taylor
Mrs. C. McFarlane
Mrs. S. Stock
Mrs. J. Finelli
Mr. J. Prowse
Mrs M Stroud
School Secretary: Mrs. M. Dalton
School Caretaker: Mr D Seabridge
School Cook: Mrs. P. Money
Status and Character: St. Benedicts is a Catholic Aided Primary School
School Governing Body:
Chairman: Mrs Dawn Ford – Foundation Governor
Vice Chairman: Father Peter Gallagher – Parish Priest of St Benedict’s
Schools Officer: Schools Officer Northern Area
Mr. David Potter 01926 412131
Diocesan Schools
Commission: 61 Coventry Road, Coleshill Birmingham B46 3EA
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